Mother of Tears (2007)

Mother of Tears (2007) is a supernatural horror film written and directed by Dario Argento. The Catholic Church uncovers the remains of a 19th-century official, whose casket is bound to a box-shaped urn. Within the urn lie artifacts belonging to Mater Lachrymarum, the last remaining member of an ancient and powerful trio of witches. One item in particular stands out – a magical tunic that greatly enhances Mater Lachrymarum’s abilities. The urn is transported to the Museum of Ancient Art in Rome, where Sarah Mandy, a young American studying art restoration, happens to work. Sarah is romantically involved with Michael Pierce, the museum’s curator and single father who is absent that night. Assisting Sarah is Giselle, the assistant curator. Together, they unlock the box and uncover its contents – including the coveted tunic. While retrieving translation tools from her office, Sarah leaves Giselle alone and vulnerable to attack by Mater Lachrymarum’s demonic minions.

Sarah discovers Giselle’s mutilated body upon her return to the museum and immediately attempts to flee. She is relentlessly pursued by Mater Lachrymarum’s familiar, but miraculously manages to escape with the help of a disembodied voice that guides her through locked doors. After informing the authorities of the gruesome events, Sarah seeks comfort in the company of Michael and his son for the night. Unbeknownst to her, Mater Lachrymarum assumes her tunic in her lair. The following day, Michael visits the Cardinal who had sent the urn to the museum, only to find him incapacitated by a severe stroke and in a comatose state. Michael is handed a message that was being written by the Cardinal before he collapsed; it simply bears the name ‘Mater Lachrymarum’ scribbled on it. Meanwhile, two witches observe from afar as Michael departs.