Lee Cronin's The Mummy

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is a 133‑minute supernatural horror that flips the classic mummy myth on its head. Instead of a golden pharaoh in a glittering sarcophagus, Cronin turns the monster into an ordinary person who’s been mummified, and the story follows a family that’s reunited with their long‑missing daughter—only to discover that something sinister has followed her back home. The film is a fresh reimagining of the Mummy franchise, with a distinctly modern, personal twist that feels more like a family drama gone wrong than a campy adventure.

The cast is a mix of fresh faces and seasoned actors. Jack Reynor and Laia Costa lead the human side of the story, while May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, and Verónica Falcón bring authenticity to the Egyptian setting. The film also features a cameo from Lily Sullivan, the star of Cronin’s previous horror hit Evil Dead Rise, which adds a fun Easter egg for fans of his work. Production was a joint effort between Ireland and the United States, with James Wan and Jason Blum producing through Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions, respectively. Cronin’s own banner, Wicked/Good, also had a hand in the film’s creation.

The plot centers on a family that’s been shattered by the disappearance of their daughter, Katie, who vanished into the desert years ago. When she returns—mummified and carrying a dark secret—the family’s reunion turns into a living nightmare. The film explores themes of grief, family trauma, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a tense, atmospheric setting that moves from the dusty streets of Cairo to the eerie desert of Aswan. Cronin’s direction leans heavily on atmospheric dread and visceral gore, drawing inspiration from classics like Poltergeist and Seven, while also incorporating a color palette reminiscent of Breaking Bad.

If you’re a horror fan who loves a good scare and isn’t afraid of a bit of gore, The Mummy will likely hit the spot. The film’s runtime is a bit on the long side, and some critics felt the pacing dragged, so if you’re looking for a quick, punchy horror flick, this might not be your cup of tea. The movie received mixed reviews—46% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 47/100 on Metacritic—so it’s not a guaranteed hit for everyone. However, the film’s unique take on the mummy myth and its focus on personal stakes give it a fresh angle that could appeal to those who want something different from the usual supernatural fare.

Overall, The Mummy is a bold, if polarizing, entry into the horror genre that blends family drama with supernatural terror. It’s a film that will make you think about what you’re willing to sacrifice for the ones you love, all while delivering plenty of jump‑scares and a few moments of genuine dread. If you’re up for a longer, more atmospheric horror experience, this one’s worth a watch.