The concept of the Great Mother, an ancient archetype of fertility, creation, and destruction, has fascinated filmmakers for decades. This curated selection of ten mystical films delves into the enigmatic world of cults dedicated to this powerful deity, exploring themes of devotion, mystery, and the supernatural. Each film provides a unique perspective on the ancient mysteries surrounding the Great Mother, offering viewers a blend of psychological depth, cultural exploration, and cinematic artistry.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: This British horror film explores the clash between Christianity and paganism, with the cult of the Great Mother at its core. A police sergeant investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to uncover a sinister cult.
Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but has since gained cult status. It inspired a 2006 American remake starring Nicolas Cage.


The Holy Mountain (1973)
Description: Alejandro Jodorowsky's surreal masterpiece touches on various mystical themes, including the Great Mother, through its exploration of spiritual enlightenment and the quest for immortality.
Fact: Jodorowsky funded the film himself, and it was banned in several countries due to its controversial content.


The Lair of the White Worm (1988)
Description: This British horror comedy by Ken Russell involves a cult worshipping an ancient serpent goddess, which can be seen as a representation of the Great Mother's darker aspects.
Fact: The film was based on Bram Stoker's novel, and Russell's interpretation is known for its campy style.


The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)
Description: This horror film by Wes Craven deals with voodoo practices, which can be linked to the worship of the Great Mother through its themes of life, death, and rebirth.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on the non-fiction book by Wade Davis, which explores the cultural practices of Haiti.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: While not directly about the Great Mother, this film explores voodoo and hoodoo, which can be seen as an extension of ancient matriarchal cults, with themes of power, control, and transformation.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, adding to its authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere.


The Love Witch (2016)
Description: This film blends elements of witchcraft with a modern take on the Great Mother archetype, focusing on a witch who uses her powers to seduce men, exploring themes of female power and manipulation.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm film to give it an authentic 1960s look, and the director, Anna Biller, also designed all the costumes.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film delves into the fears of witchcraft and the dark side of the Great Mother, as a family encounters the supernatural after being banished from their Puritan plantation.
Fact: The film was shot in natural light to give it an authentic, eerie atmosphere, and the dialogue was based on historical documents from the era.


Mother! (2017)
Description: Darren Aronofsky's allegorical thriller can be interpreted as a modern take on the Great Mother myth, with the house representing the Earth and the mother figure embodying the nurturing and destructive aspects of the deity.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, a house built specifically for the movie, to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Goddess of Spring (1934)
Description: This Disney Silly Symphony short film tells the story of Persephone, the Greek goddess of spring, who can be seen as an embodiment of the Great Mother's cycle of life and death.
Fact: It was one of the earliest Disney animations to use the multiplane camera, enhancing the depth in its scenes.


The Goddess (1958)
Description: Although not explicitly about the Great Mother, this film by John Cromwell explores the life of a woman who rises from poverty to fame, embodying the archetype of the nurturing yet destructive force.
Fact: The film was one of the first to deal with the harsh realities of fame and the objectification of women in Hollywood.
