Watch Down Will Come Baby
- NR
- 1999
- 1 hr 30 min
-
5.9 (556)
Down Will Come Baby is a 1999 thriller movie directed by Gregory Goodell, starring Meredith Baxter (as Elaine Metcalf), Diana Scarwid (as Joan Delano), and Tom Amandes (as Dr. John Sullivan). The movie revolves around Elaine Metcalf, a damaged woman who is still coping with the accidental death of her six-year-old son, David. Elaine suffers from severe depression and is also grappling with the fact that her marriage to the boy's father is falling apart.
Things take a turn for the worse when Elaine's sister, Joan, arrives at her doorstep with her six-year-old daughter, Cheryl. Joan is a recovering alcoholic, and her husband has left her, so she is in dire need of a place to stay. Elaine, who is still grieving over David's death, sees Cheryl as a chance to relive her motherhood and eagerly agrees to have them over.
As Elaine tries to bond with Cheryl and Joan, she begins to experience strange occurrences that cause her to question her sanity. She starts hearing noises in the attic and sees a man lurking outside the house. Convinced that someone is stalking her, Elaine takes precautions to protect herself and the children, but no one seems to believe her.
Adding to her anxiety, Elaine starts seeing and hearing the voice of David, and as she struggles to keep it together, she becomes increasingly erratic and paranoid. She confides in Dr. John Sullivan, a psychiatrist who's been treating her since the death of her son. Together, they try to unravel the mystery behind the strange occurrences around Elaine, but no one is prepared for the shocking revelation they would uncover.
The movie is an intense exploration of mental illness and how grief can manifest into severe depression and anxiety, leading to delusions and paranoia. Baxter gives a remarkable performance as a woman who's barely holding on to her sanity, and Scarwid is excellent as her caring but equally troubled sister. The chemistry between the two actresses is palpable, making their relationship the center of the movie.
The suspense buildup in the movie is effective, never giving away too much and maintaining a sense of unease throughout. The psychological horror elements are well-executed, as the movie leverages the horror that can be found in the depths of a person's mind. It's a modern-day gothic tale that paces itself with just the right amount of tension.
The standout element of Down Will Come Baby is its willingness to tackle difficult topics such as postpartum depression, mental illness, and the societal pressure to conform to gender roles. The portrayal of Elaineâs struggles with motherhood is particularly heart-wrenching, and Baxter delivers a powerful performance that makes you empathize with her character's pain.
Overall, Down Will Come Baby is a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the mind while exploring the raw emotions of grief, guilt and trauma. The tension is palpable, the performances are excellent, and the direction is competent. It's a well-crafted movie that deserves a watch for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
Down Will Come Baby is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.