Its Name Was Mormo (2024) is a gripping found footage horror that unearths the terrifying legend of Mormo, a malevolent demon from Greek mythology. Directed by and starring Mark Andrew Bowers, alongside Marcela Cardenas and Mia Bowers, this indie horror premiered on Tubi and delivers a raw, unsettling experience. In this movie review, we explore why Its Name Was Mormo is a must-watch for fans of found footage horror, supernatural thrillers, and folklore-driven scares, blending family dynamics with claustrophobic terror.
A Family’s Descent into Demonic Terror
Presented as police evidence, Its Name Was Mormo follows a young family—Mark (Mark Andrew Bowers), Diana (Marcela Cardenas), and their daughter Mia (Mia Bowers)—as they move into a dilapidated home in a remote village. Their fresh start turns nightmarish when Mormo, a demon tied to Greek folklore, begins exploiting their deepest fears. The found footage format, using shaky cams and static shots, captures their unraveling lives, blending reality and terror as the entity’s sinister presence grows.
The narrative weaves Greek mythology with psychological horror, exploring themes of fear, family bonds, and supernatural vengeance. The village’s dark history, tied to Mormo’s legend, adds a chilling layer, making every moment feel like a descent into paranoia and dread.
Authentic Performances That Ground the Horror
The real-life family cast brings raw authenticity to the film. Mark Andrew Bowers, doubling as director, plays Mark with a stoic denial that crumbles under Mormo’s influence, creating a relatable everyman. Marcela Cardenas as Diana radiates growing dread, her emotional arc anchoring the film’s tension. Young Mia Bowers steals the show as Mia, her vulnerability amplifying the stakes and making her encounters with the demon heartbreakingly real. Even the family’s puppy, Romeo, adds an eerie charm, his barks at unseen threats heightening the supernatural unease.
The performances, drawn from real family dynamics, lend a naturalistic edge to the found footage style, making the terror feel intensely personal.
Claustrophobic Atmosphere and Haunting Visuals
The cinematography, crafted through shaky cams and static shots, creates a claustrophobic vibe that immerses viewers in the family’s fear. The dilapidated village, with its crumbling walls and shadowy corners, feels like a character itself, steeped in Mormo’s dark history. Practical effects, such as flickering lights and unsettling apparitions, enhance the creeping dread, though the minimal CGI keeps the horror grounded. Some camera angles, however, strain believability, a common pitfall in found footage films.
The sound design is a standout, with eerie silences broken by jarring soundscapes—creaks, whispers, and Romeo’s barks—that burrow under the skin. The sparse soundtrack amplifies the tension, making every moment feel like a prelude to terror.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Its Name Was Mormo shines with its raw intensity and authentic performances. The use of Greek folklore offers a fresh twist on the found footage genre, distinguishing it from generic hauntings. The family dynamics, particularly Mia’s vulnerability, add emotional weight, while the village setting creates a haunting backdrop. Reviews praise its indie spirit and creepy atmosphere, noting its appeal to horror fans ().
However, the film stumbles with a vague ending that leaves some questions unanswered, potentially frustrating viewers seeking closure. The found footage format occasionally feels contrived, with certain shots breaking immersion. Despite these flaws, its unique mythology and emotional core make it a compelling watch.
