1992 / 110m - USA
Thriller
1.0*/5.0*
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle poster

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October 26, 2021

1.0*/5.0*

Vintage 90s thriller, the kind you couldn't imagine would still be made today. The film spends the first 20 minutes detailing the entire plot, the rest is just going through the motions, without any kind of twist or upset along the way. It even takes out time to explain its own title. Needless to say, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is a film in dire need of tension.

Not sure how much of the plot I can spoil, since the film gives it all away anyway, but I'll try to keep it at least a little exciting. Claire is looking for a nanny, as she has a tough time juggling works and two kids. Out of the blue, Peyton applies for the job. She looks perfect, but she is linked to Claire's past, and she is looking for revenge.

So the plot is a real bore, other elements of the film are completely unable to make up for it too. The cinematography is utterly bland, the score feels like something they found for free. It's almost as if you're watching a cheap TV production, not a 90s blockbuster hit. The performances are truly poor too, which leaves ... nothing really. Best to forget all about this film as quickly as possible.