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The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
1992 110 min United States of America R 18+
★6.9
Drama, Thriller
Director: Curtis Hanson
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
A suburban family chooses seemingly sweet Peyton Flanders as their newborn's nanny. Only much later does the infant's mother, Claire Bartel, realize Peyton's true intentions -- to destroy Claire and replace her in the family. The nail-biting suspense builds quickly in this chilling psychological thriller about deception and bitter revenge.
Budget:
$11.7M
US Gross:
$88.04M
Worldwide:
$88.04M
Starring
Annabella Sciorra
Actor
Rebecca De Mornay
Actor
Matt McCoy
Actor
Awards
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1992
— Best Villain
Saturn Awards 1993
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1993
— Best Actress
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1992
— Best Villain
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1992
— Best Actress
Key opinion
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is widely regarded as a quintessential 90s psychological thriller that relies heavily on a standout, chilling performance by Rebecca De Mornay. While audiences praise its ability to generate high tension and explore complex themes of motherhood and revenge, critics are divided on the screenplay's reliance on familiar tropes and the effectiveness of the film's conclusion.
| Acting | Rebecca De Mornay delivers a captivating and convincing performance that serves as the film's central anchor. | |
| Emotion | The film masterfully sustains a sense of psychological dread and high tension throughout the narrative. | |
| Acting | The supporting cast, particularly Julianne Moore and Ernie Hudson, provides memorable and effective contributions to the ensemble. | |
| Screenplay | Some viewers find the plot compelling and psychologically layered, while others criticize it as formulaic, dated, and overly predictable. | |
| Ending | The denouement is viewed by many as a weak or disappointing conclusion that fails to live up to the tension built in the preceding acts. |