The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

Directed by Curtis Hanson, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle follows Annabella Sciorra’s Claire and Matt McCoy’s Michael as they hire a new nanny (Rebecca De Mornay’s Peyton) to care for their two children and slowly-but-surely realize that Peyton isn’t quite as docile and friendly as she seems. Filmmaker Hanson, working from Amanda Silver’s screenplay, delivers a sterling endeavor that kicks off with an absorbing opening stretch detailing Peyton’s tragic backstory, and it’s clear, certainly, that the movie’s instantly absorbing vibe is due in no small part to the irresistibly trashy atmosphere and raft of compelling performances – with, in terms of the latter, De Mornay’s less-than-subtle yet completely captivating turn as the menacing antagonist ranking high on the picture’s list of agreeable, spellbinding attributes. And although it’s perhaps just a little longer than one might’ve preferred, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle‘s compulsively watchable feel is heightened by a midsection overflowing with surprising twists and enthralling, electrifying sequences – including a terrific subplot involving Claire’s best friend’s growing suspicions regarding Peyton’s true motives. By the time the violent and wholeheartedly satisfying climax rolls around, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle has undoubtedly cemented its place as a top-tier thriller that still remains one of the best entries within a woefully unappreciated genre.

***1/2 out of ****