The iconic 1992 domestic thriller, “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,” famously transformed the comforting figure of a nanny into a terrifying nightmare. Now, director Michelle Garza Cervera offers a new take on the story, recasting the sinister caretaker, Peyton, as Polly, portrayed by Maika Monroe. This updated version once again centers on a family becoming the unwitting target of their new nanny, whose dark motivations are fueled by a lifetime of financial hardship.
A trailer for the film, showcasing intense scenes and plot elements, was included here.
Caitlin, played with commendable conviction by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, initially finds herself drawn to Polly. She sees her not as another privileged suburban mother, but as a “real person.” Their paths cross at a local organic co-op in Los Angeles, where Caitlin learns of Polly’s struggles to secure stable housing. A casual conversation turns pivotal when Caitlin’s husband, Miguel (Raúl Castillo), innocently suggests pesto for their family pasta night, prompting Polly to subtly advise a healthier alternative. Just like that, the nanny position seems almost within her grasp.
However, while Rebecca De Mornay’s portrayal of the original nanny was genuinely unsettling, driven by a past miscarriage and her husband’s tragic suicide, Monroe’s performance as Polly often feels merely aloof. She moves through the film with the demeanor of a moody teenager, burdened by dialogue that attempts to be seductive but often falls flat, inadvertently stifling any building tension.
Regrettably, this new adaptation handles themes of queer desire with a sensibility that feels stuck in 1992. The narrative implies that Caitlin’s lesbian inclinations were suppressed until Polly arrived, making the nanny’s flirtations an irresistible force. Yet, the film’s clumsy execution, highlighted by an unexpected discovery that unravels the plot, unfortunately derails any potential for nuance or compelling drama. It becomes clear that the “cradle” has been rocked so aggressively that subtlety, good taste, and the chance for genuinely engaging camp have been lost entirely.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is rated R for its depiction of gratuitous gore, sexual content, drug use, and strong language. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.