Trad Wife

Schaefer (Serial Killer Support Group) offers a gleefully gruesome take on the life of an influencer in this fun if predictable horror outing. Camille Deming is an aspiring social media star working to join the ranks of other hugely popular names in the trad wife sphere. Her repeated attempts to get pregnant, which would surely boost her following, have been met with disappointment—until she makes a wish into a mysterious well at the edge of her property. Soon thereafter, she has a dream visitation from a biblically accurate angel and finds herself finally pregnant. When the baby is born, however, there are some undeniable signs that she is not quite human. With Camille’s husband largely absent and disengaged, she struggles to balance the life she performs online with her child’s needs, especially after the infant’s appetite proves bizarre and carnivorous. It’s satisfying to watch as Camille’s visceral love for her demonic daughter guides her to asserting herself and rejecting the oppressive traps she didn’t realize she was snared in. The “be careful what you wish for” conceit feels familiar, and Schaefer doesn’t go as deep as she could into unpacking the trad wife phenomenon. Still, this strikes a good balance of gore and tenderness, and is helmed by a heroine who’s easy to root for. (Feb.)