The Moogai

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2:08

The Moogai

May 2025

1h 26m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

40 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Sarah and Fergus, a hopeful young Aboriginal couple, give birth to their second baby. But what should be a joyous time of their lives becomes sinister when Sarah starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. Fergus, who can’t see it but desperately wants to believe her, grows increasingly worried as she becomes more unbalanced. Is the child-stealing spirit real or is she in fact the biggest threat to the safety of their family?

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Critics Consensus

The Moogai attempts to creep its way into the annals of horror history but falls flat under the weight of its poor execution.

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Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

With “The Moogai,” Bell wrestles with the horrors of the past and acknowledges the history of the Aboriginal children who never had a chance at a future.

Rated: 3/4

May 9, 2025

Full Review

Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

The monster itself is quite an accomplishment, but the boom in horror movie-making has made us pretty blasé about the grotesque creations the genre can conjure up. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned film isn’t as scary as it’s trying to be.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 30, 2024

Full Review

Luke Buckmaster

Guardian

The horror works on multiple levels, with the scariest moments informed by the lived experience of Aboriginal people.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 30, 2024

Full Review

Samantha McLaren

MovieJawn

The Moogai started life as a proof-of-concept short, and its transition to a fully fledged feature feels incomplete. At the same time, it’s refreshing to see a film like this getting made.

Aug 1, 2025

Full Review

Cody Dericks

Next Best Picture

“The Moogai” doesn’t work as a horror movie and is only somewhat effective as a piece of metaphorical political storytelling.

Rated: 4/10

May 13, 2025

Full Review

Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

“The Moogai” is probably better than most critics believe because we do not understand everything that we are seeing. As a first-time feature filmmaker, Bell’s first time at bat is a success, and people should stay glued to see how his work will evolve.

May 12, 2025

Full Review

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Jon Bell

Director

Shari Sebbens

Sarah

Meyne Wyatt

Fergus

Tessa Rose

Ruth

Bella Heathcote

Becky

Clarence Ryan

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The Moogai: Trailer 1

2:08

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Synopsis

Sarah and Fergus, a hopeful young Aboriginal couple, give birth to their second baby. But what should be a joyous time of their lives becomes sinister when Sarah starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. Fergus, who can’t see it but desperately wants to believe her, grows increasingly worried as she becomes more unbalanced. Is the child-stealing spirit real or is she in fact the biggest threat to the safety of their family?

Director: Jon Bell
Producer: Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings, Mitchell Stanley
Screenwriter: Jon Bell
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Salmira Productions, Causeway Films, No Coincidence Media, Head Gear Films, Anahat Films
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 9, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2025
Runtime: 1h 26m

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