It was a true pleasure speaking with writer/director Jon Bell and actor Shari Sebbens about their powerful new feature The Moogai—a chilling and culturally resonant Australian horror story poised to make a major impact on audiences. With Causeway Films behind it—the same powerhouse production company that brought us The Babadook and Talk to Me—anticipation is understandably high, and after our conversation, mine has only grown stronger.
The Moogai marks a bold feature debut for Bell, one of Australia’s most seasoned Indigenous screenwriters, whose credits include Cleverman and The Warriors. Originally conceived as a short film that garnered acclaim and awards—including Best Short Film at the AACTAs—Bell has expanded his unsettling story into a feature that blends supernatural horror with the harsh historical truths of Australia’s past.
At its core, The Moogai follows Sarah (played with gripping emotional depth by Shari Sebbens) and her husband Fergus (Meyne Wyatt), a young Aboriginal couple experiencing the birth of their second child. Their joy is quickly clouded when Sarah begins seeing a malevolent spirit—a Moogai—she believes is trying to steal her newborn. As her behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Fergus is torn between his love for her and the fear that she may be losing her mind. But this is not merely a story of postnatal paranoia—it’s a metaphor rooted in the real, haunting legacy of the Stolen Generations, where thousands of Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families by government policy.
Sebben’s performance is nothing short of remarkable, embodying the psychological torment of a mother who may be either haunted or unraveling—or both. Her character’s desperation and fight for truth feel grounded not only in genre conventions but in cultural trauma that lingers across generations. It’s no surprise, given Sebbens’ expansive and decorated career in film, television, and theatre, that she brings such authenticity and ferocity to the role.
What makes The Moogai even more compelling is the way it uses horror as a vehicle for healing. This ethos echoes throughout the film, which had its world premiere at Sundance, followed by celebrated screenings at SXSW, Sydney Film Festival, and the Melbourne International Film Festival. The buzz is palpable—and deserved.
With its timely themes, standout performances, and the backing of a studio known for redefining genre cinema, The Moogai is shaping up to be one of the year’s most essential horror films. I’m incredibly excited for audiences to witness the terrifying and cathartic journey it offers—and grateful for the chance to speak with two of the visionaries behind it.
The Moogai is not just a horror film—it’s a haunting reminder of history, a showcase of Indigenous storytelling, and a herald of more bold work to come from Jon Bell and Shari Sebbens. Keep your eyes on this one.
Jessie Hobson