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The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
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Reviews Counted:31
Fresh:17
Rotten:14
Average Rating:5.6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Rebecca De Mornay stars as a nanny with an evil agenda in this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL). When her new obstetrician Dr. Mott (John DeLancie), touches... Rebecca De Mornay stars as a nanny with an evil agenda in this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL). When her new obstetrician Dr. Mott (John DeLancie), touches Claire Bartel (Annabella Sciorra) inappropriately during an exam, Claire reports him. The scandal ultimately causes Dr. Mott's suicide and his wife's miscarriage. Determined to have both a child and revenge, Mrs. Mott (De Mornay), now going by the name Peyton Flanders, poses as the perfect nanny and is hired by Claire and her husband, Michael (Matt McCoy), to care for their young daughter, Emma (Madeline Zima), and infant son. Seemingly sweet and helpful, Peyton slowly infiltrates the family's world. Once she has gained their trust, she begins to wreak havoc in their lives. Claire begins to doubt her husband's fidelity, her abilities as a mother, and virtually every other aspect of her life--including her sanity--as Peyton deliberately tries to ruin her life and replace her as a wife and mother. De Mornay is a delicious villain--all sugar and spice in front of the family but positively venomous when plotting and executing her revenge. Director Hanson crafts his thriller with great skill and attention to character, making this a must-see. [More]
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Annabella Sciorra, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Annabella Sciorra, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson, Julianne Moore, Madeline Zima, John DeLancie
Director: Curtis Hanson
Director: Curtis Hanson
Screenwriter: Amanda Silver
Producer: David Madden
Composer: Graeme Revell
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Reviews for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
De Mornay seems to have found her true vocation playing the nanny from hell, but while the ensuing thrills may well be enjoyed by many, anyone with offspring of their own would be wise to stay away.
Curtis Hanson's direction and Amanda Silver's screenplay are both models of no-flab craft and intelligence, and all the actors (who also include Ernie Hudson and Julianne Moore) are believable from the first frame to the last.
The best of all the "Fatal Attraction" rip-offs. (Aside from "Single White Female.")
Touted as Fatal Attraction for the 1990s, this well-directed thrille (by Curtis Hanson) also features a blonde sociopath, except that the terror in of the family in this yarn is from within.
A unexpected pleasure to watch, disturbing for new parents, slightly silly but ever so enjoyable.
There are a few surprises and some clever misdirection, but it does take a long time to get there.
Latest News for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
November 30, 2007:
Samuel L. Jackson Rocks the Cradle
Once you've co-starred in an action "comedy" with Eugene Levy, the only way to go is up -- or so you'd think. Samuel L. Jackson, apparently, has other ideas. More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
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