PLOT: Within the psychological thriller from director Michelle Garza Cervera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Caitlin Morales, an upscale suburban mother who brings a brand new nanny, Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe), into her dwelling, solely to find she is just not the individual she claims to be.
REVIEW: I believe most of us bear in mind the unique Hand That Rocks The Cradle because the movie that Rebecca De Mornay completely stole the present in. Her unhinged efficiency was a barometer for future “you did me wrong!” performances. And it’s truthfully a bit surprising that it took this lengthy for us to lastly get a reboot of the movie. Those that are frightened it will comply with the identical path as the unique ought to relaxation simple as, outdoors of the idea of a girl coming into one other dwelling to try to destroy it, many different parts are modified. I all the time appreciated the unique however was by no means a large fan, and I fairly preferred the modifications right here.
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle follows a younger mother, Caitlin, who brings Polly into her home to be a nanny. Polly begins to govern her manner into the household and alienates Caitlin in a manner that makes her right into a paranoid mess as she tries to take her place. Her husband (performed by Raul Castillo) is a little bit of an aloof dummy, who is way too fast to suppose his spouse is simply being paranoid. And their daughter is determined for a parental determine that’s much less stringent, so she takes to Polly nearly instantly.
The movie is actually anchored by the performances of its two leads. Maika Monroe is ready to flip that change from candy and harmless to utterly loopy instantly. It’s good to see her get to play an antagonist for as soon as. Mary Elizabeth Winstead additionally will get to take action a lot with the “am I just imagining this” aspect of issues. Neither actress goes too far in both course, so it retains the intrigue alive all through. Nevertheless, it’s nice to lastly see Monroe get to embrace the craziness that’s been effervescent beneath the floor for a lot of the runtime. If something, I wished extra of that. Then, to have the 2 sq. off is an absolute deal with. These are two girls who have been/are large components of the horror style, so it’s actually cool to get to see them spar on this manner.
Admittedly, I do discover that the movie falters a bit narratively at occasions. It falls into fundamental horror traps reasonably than specializing in the strongest component: the performances. All it actually wanted to do was to indicate Monroe and Winstead going head-to-head psychologically, and it might have been improved. I, personally, didn’t want the subplot involving Martin Starr’s character, because it takes a few of the ambiguity away. There are additionally a couple of too many scenes that really feel extra like they’re checking off a horror trope field versus truly including something substantial to the story. Undecided if it was studio notes so as to add extra horror, but it surely clashes with the higher components of the movie.
I actually preferred how the movie was shot, with some fantastic use of home windows and mirrors to visually mirror sure narrative selections. There’s a sure command of the body that captures your consideration on the proper moments. Admittedly, the pacing can drag a bit, as that is extra of a sluggish burn. However I used to be intrigued sufficient by the story that it didn’t trouble me. Whereas I’ll clearly keep away from spoilers, I additionally felt the top stinger was very tacked on and pointless. It leaves the movie on a wierd observe, and like one other misguided horror trope.
Regardless of its flaws, I loved The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. Positive, there are some over-the-top moments, but it surely’s principally a grounded take a look at one girl making an attempt to destroy one other girl’s life. Monroe and Winstead give nice performances, although Maika’s is clearly a extra showy half, given the duality of the character. Each are in a position to deliver loads of intrigue at any time when they’re on display screen. They only wanted some stronger supporting characters round them to essentially make this story pop. Nonetheless, these displaying up for the battle between these two underrated actresses shouldn’t be disenchanted.
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle is Streaming on Hulu on October twenty second, 2025.
