The Moogai (2024)
A chilling Australian horror film rooted in Aboriginal mythology, where a mother’s terror over a child-stealing spirit collides with disbelief from those around her.
The Moogai - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Moogai
- Release Year: 2024
- Directed by: Jon Bell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 31, 2024 (Australia - M), November 7, 2024 (New Zealand - M)
- Production Companies: Causeway Films, No Coincidence Media, Head Gear Films, Salmira Productions, Bankside Films
- Production Countries: Australia, United Kingdom
The Moogai - Plot
A young Aboriginal couple brings home their second baby. What should be a joyous time takes a sinister turn, as the baby’s mother starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby.
The Moogai - Trailer
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The Moogai - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jon Bell
Main Cast
- Meyne Wyatt
- Shari Sebbens
- Tara Morice
- Clarence John Ryan
- Bella Heathcote
- Steve Rodgers
- Toby Leonard Moore
- Alexandra Jensen
- Nicholas Cassim
- Jahdeana Mary
Writers
- Jon Bell
Producers
- Kristina Ceyton
- Samantha Jennings
- Mitchell Stanley
- Taylor Goddard
The Moogai - FAQs
What is the Moogai in Aboriginal mythology?
In Aboriginal Australian folklore, the Moogai is a fearsome spirit said to steal children, particularly babies. It is a deeply rooted figure in Indigenous storytelling traditions, used historically to warn communities about dangers. The film draws directly on this cultural mythology to ground its horror in authentic First Nations lore.
Is The Moogai based on a true story?
The Moogai is not based on a specific true event, but it is rooted in genuine Aboriginal Australian mythology. Director Jon Bell expanded the story from his own short film of the same name, drawing on real Indigenous folklore about a child-stealing spirit to craft a culturally grounded horror narrative.
Where can you stream The Moogai?
The Moogai is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and viewed with ads on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV.
Who directed The Moogai and what is its origin?
The Moogai was written and directed by Jon Bell, an Aboriginal Australian filmmaker. The feature is an expansion of his earlier short film of the same name. Bell crafted the project as a culturally specific horror story, centering Indigenous Australian mythology and the experiences of a First Nations family.
Who are the main actors in The Moogai?
The Moogai stars Meyne Wyatt and Shari Sebbens as the central couple, Fergus and Sarah. The supporting cast includes Bella Heathcote, Tara Morice, Toby Leonard Moore, Clarence John Ryan, Steve Rodgers, Alexandra Jensen, Nicholas Cassim, and Jahdeana Mary.
What is The Moogai about?
The Moogai follows a young Aboriginal couple who bring their newborn home, only for the mother to become convinced that a malevolent spirit is stalking their baby. The film blends supernatural dread with themes of cultural identity, colonial trauma, and the dismissal of Indigenous women’s experiences by medical and social institutions.
When was The Moogai released?
The Moogai had its Australian theatrical release on October 31, 2024, and opened in New Zealand on November 7, 2024. It received its US release on May 9, 2025. The film premiered strategically on Halloween, underscoring its horror credentials and cultural significance.
How long is The Moogai?
The Moogai has a runtime of 84 minutes, making it a lean and tightly paced horror experience. The relatively short running time contributes to the film’s sustained tension, keeping the atmosphere of dread concentrated and unrelenting from beginning to end.
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