‘Marama’ Brings Maori Gothic Horror To The Big Screen

A young woman’s search for her past leads her into a dark chapter of colonial history in Marama, a gothic horror feature arriving in cinemas this week before its move to digital platforms in May.

Directed by Taratoa Stappard, the film follows Mary Stevens, also known as Marama, who travels from New Zealand to North Yorkshire after receiving a letter claiming to hold answers about her family. What begins as a journey for clarity quickly turns into something far more unsettling when she arrives at a remote manor tied to her ancestry. There, she is drawn into a story shaped by violence, loss and long-buried truths.

Set in 1859, Marama places its central character in Victorian England, where she is offered a position as a governess within the imposing Hawkser Manor. The house, and the people within it, carry a sense of unease that grows as Marama begins to uncover the circumstances surrounding her lineage. The film frames her journey through the lens of whakapapa and utu, grounding the story in M?ori cultural identity while exploring the consequences of colonial exploitation.

The feature is led by Ariana Osborne in her first major role, supported by Toby Stephens and Umi Myers, alongside New Zealand performers Erroll Shand and Jordan Mooney. Osborne’s casting places a Maori perspective firmly at the centre of the film, with the story shaped by both English and Maori language and traditions.

Marama premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025 and continued through a number of international festivals including Sitges and AFI Fest. Its theatrical release marks the first collaboration between Dark Sky Films and Watermelon Pictures, both operating under MPI Media Group, as they bring the film to select venues across the United States.

Produced by Sharlene George, with Rickylee Russell-Waipuka and Rouzie Hassanova, the project was developed with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and other international initiatives. Filming took place across locations in New Zealand, doubling for the Yorkshire setting depicted on screen.

Following its limited theatrical rollout beginning 17 April, Marama will be available on digital platforms from 12 May.

Marama trailer