Revisiting The Hand That Rocks the Cradle after 30 years reminds us of Curtis Hanson’s skillful direction. Over his decade-long career, he crafted memorable films like L.A. Confidential, which won him an Oscar. His knack for storytelling still resonates today.
Hulu’s new version of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, helmed by director Michelle Garza Cervera, feels unnecessary. It falls short of the classics, although it’s not the worst remake out there. Many remakes have failed to capture the original’s spirit, like The Women and Swept Away.
This latest adaptation takes the original screenplay, initially written as a film school thesis, and adds themes of trauma and complicated female relationships. However, it loses the edge that made the original gripping. Instead of a battle between a mother and an evil nanny, the dynamic becomes a mental health contest between two troubled women.
The film’s lead, real estate attorney Caitlin Morales (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), is navigating her second pregnancy when she meets Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe). Polly is struggling, yet Caitlin hires her as a babysitter after a brief reference check. This decision raises eyebrows, especially since Caitlin’s husband, Miguel (Raúl Castillo), worries about her mental well-being after experiencing postpartum depression with their first child.
Polly’s behavior starts raising red flags. She disrupts Caitlin’s life subtly at first, but then the sabotage escalates to worrying levels. Caitlin offers Polly a room in her house, which makes for an easier but worrisome setup.
The film attempts to highlight the complexities in their relationship, including a flirtation between the two women. However, this subplot feels underdeveloped and fails to add significant depth. It’s surprising that a movie about motherhood and danger neglects to utilize its setting—a swimming pool—effectively.
As the story unfolds, Caitlin becomes increasingly concerned about Polly’s influence over her family. Yet, Miguel remains skeptical of Caitlin’s fears, causing tension between them. This conflict is palpable, yet it strains credibility when Miguel brushes off real dangers in favor of thinking Caitlin is overreacting.
While Polly’s backstory is teased out, it does so too slowly, which undermines suspense. The pacing drags just when we should be leaning into the action and stakes. The film’s director, known for her previous work in Huesera, struggles to balance thrills with emotional depth here.
Experiments with music and violence don’t hit the mark, feeling forced rather than organic. Both leads deliver commendable performances, but their potential gets lost in a cluttered narrative.
The original film was a blockbuster, raking in $140 million against a $12 million budget. It’s disheartening to see the new version quietly drop on Hulu, likely to be forgotten. With such a rich legacy behind it, the remake raises questions about creativity and the need for fresh storytelling in Hollywood.
If you’re interested in exploring the impact of film remakes, the American Film Institute has insights and resources on the history and trends in cinema.
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Curtis Hanson,Hulu,Maika Monroe,Martin Starr,Mary Elizabeth Winstead,Ra\u00fal Castillo
