Written by (Photo Credit: Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures)
A gothic horror movie’s trailer blends Midsommar and The Witch. The trailer for Marama introduces audiences to an anti-colonial setting, with supernatural and suspense-packed elements. Moreover, the movie is available to rent on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and more.
The official synopsis reads, “When a young Māori woman is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, she uncovers her horrific colonial heritage and is compelled to confront and destroy the titled Englishman who devastated her family”
Check out the Marama trailer below (watch more trailers):
Marama brings anti-colonial horror to life
The anti-colonial horror movie is set in 1859; the trailer follows Mary, an orphan who is summoned by Thomas Boyd on a one-way trip to North Yorkshire. However, upon reaching the cottage, Mary discovers that Boyd is dead.
The protagonist is then asked to work as a governess to Anne, the eight-year-old granddaughter of Sir Nathaniel Cole. After being trapped in the county, she is obligated to accept his offer. However, the more time she spends as a governess, the more Mary discovers that Cole harbors a gruesome secret from his years spent harvesting the waters off New Zealand.
Moreover, she is haunted by visions and dreams. Eventually, as she unravels the full horrific truth of her colonial heritage, she also inherits Matakite, which is a seer power.
The movie is helmed by Taratoa Stappard. This Māori Gothic drama is Stappard’s first full-length feature, having previously helmed short films. It stars Ariana Osborne, Evelyn Towersey, Toby Stephens, Umi Myers, and Erroll Shand. Sharlene George, Ricky-Lee Russell-Waipuka, and Rouzie Hassanova produced the movie.
Marama was released in theaters on February 12, 2026, in New Zealand. This was followed by a limited release in the US on April 17, 2026. It then had a theatrical run in France and Portugal on April 22 and 24, respectively. The gothic horror film was released digitally on June 9 this year. It will be released on the streaming platform Shudder on September 11, followed by a theatrical release in the UK on October 30, 2026.
Originally reported by Christie D’Silva on ComingSoon.net
