You’d be forgiven for pondering you understand precisely what The Hand That Rocks the Cradle has in retailer. That title alone screams ‘sinister nanny, excellent household, chaos ensues’. And sure, the setup’s acquainted to the 1992 film of the identical title, however this isn’t fairly the movie you suppose it’s. The 2025 model provides the method a contemporary twist, one which’s intelligent sufficient to shock, even when it doesn’t fairly outshine the unique’s depraved power.
Caitlin (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is a profitable lawyer juggling work, motherhood and a husband (Raúl Castillo) who’s by no means fairly round when issues go unsuitable. When the couple rent a live-in nanny, Polly (Maika Monroe), every part appears blissfully calm — the home runs smoother, the children are completely happy, and Caitlin can lastly breathe. However small cracks start to point out: misunderstandings on child method, awkward exchanges, and a rising sense that Polly is aware of much more about Caitlin’s life than she ever ought to. What follows is a slick, sluggish unravelling of belief and id that edges from psychological thriller into one thing darker and twistier.
It’s additionally a mesmerising two-hander. Winstead is totally sensible as Caitlin – grounded, anxious, plausible. Throughout from her, Monroe steals each scene because the nanny who’s equal components charming and fully unnerving. The 2 performances on the movie’s centre are so sharp you want the remainder of the film may rise to fulfill them.
The excellent news for this remake is that it’s nonetheless enjoyable. Director Michelle Garza Cervera clearly loves the golden age of home thrillers, and there’s a nostalgic consolation in seeing this type again on display. The shiny kitchens! The suspicious neighbours! The slow-burn paranoia simmering beneath well mannered dialog! The disarming bounce scares! We’re campaigning for a ‘90s-thriller-sance’, and we’d like your signature to come back on board.
That stated, this one may need benefited from a recent title. The second you slap The Hand That Rocks the Cradle in your poster, you’re asking to be in comparison with a cult basic that also holds up superbly. And whereas it is a strong, well-paced thriller with two stellar leads and a neat twist, it’s not fairly iconic.
So no, it gained’t change the unique in your late-night rewatch listing. However if you happen to’re within the temper for some glossy suburban rigidity and a little bit of retro-flavoured menace, this rocks alongside properly sufficient.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle will probably be launched on Disney+ in 22 October.
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