Review of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) by Billy B — 28 Feb 2010

Rating - M for Low Level Coarse Language, Low Level Violence.

Tagline - ...is the hand that rules the world.

Australian Gross -.

Claire Bartel, a busy wife, mother and career woman whose family is placed in grave jeopardy when she hires Peyton Flanders, a seemingly perfect nanny with a secret agenda. By the time Claire discoer's Peyton's deadly plan for revenge, it may be already too late to save herself and her family.

Great. I'm a sucker for a good revenge film, and this film keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. From it's early conflict, it always manages to add something to the mix to keep you glued. The tension between the the mother and nanny is clear, but it's successful in making the climax realistic, by which I mean that the mother doesn't react on her suspicions until she is proven right. This film must've definately inspired many later films that are similar in many ways. "Obsessed" from 2009 is really like a re-imagining of this film with a modernised plot. This is definately a very inspirational and excellent film. It's sadistic nanny Peyton was just excellent to watch, and the whole film I would reccommend to everyone. It's a must see.

The plot is extremely original. Well back in 1990 i'm sure there was no film just like it, but writing this 20 years later I can say i've seen many films try the same formula, many unsuccessful. "Obsessed" is a good example. This film takes itself as serious as it wants you to take it, and by know means does that mean it's impossible to watch it without being in a serious mood. It's tension and build-ups were excellently executed, and it's effortless attempts at creating likeable characters is to be praised for.

The acting was great. The main stars were of course the two leads. "Annabella Sciorra" is extremely likeable and realistic as mother "Claire" who is the only one slightly suspicious about the new nanny. "Rebecca De Mornay" is just as great as nanny "Peyton" who's vengeful secret may prove lethal. "De Mornay" was excellent at being scary, innocent and too-good-to-be-true. "Madeline Zima" who went on to be in T.V hits "The Nanny" and "Californication" debuted in this as the eldest child. She was innocent and sweet, and it's always good to see promising child actor's.

Overall "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" is a top-notch thriller that stringed a long line of rip-offs and films similar since it's 1990 release. My rating is 4/5.