Watch The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

In the 1992 film "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," directed by Curtis Hanson, the plot revolves around a family who hires a nanny, Peyton Flanders (played by Rebecca De Mornay), to take care of their newborn baby. However, things quickly take a dark turn as Peyton's obsessive and manipulative behavior threatens the family's stability.

The story begins with Claire Bartel (Annabella Sciorra) having a routine check-up at her gynecologist's office. While she is being examined, the doctor, Dr. Victor Mott (John de Lancie), sexually assaults her. She immediately reports the incident to her husband, Michael (Matt McCoy), and they file a complaint with the police. The investigation and trial lead to Dr. Mott's suicide, leaving his wife, Mrs. Mott (Julianne Moore), and their two children devastated.

In the aftermath of the scandal, the Bartels hire a new nanny, Peyton Flanders. At first, she appears to be the perfect caregiver, playing with the children, keeping the house clean, and cooking delicious meals. However, as time goes on, Peyton becomes increasingly possessive and manipulative. She starts undermining Claire's authority, isolates her from her friends, and seduces Michael.

As Peyton's actions become more sinister, Claire starts to suspect that there is something wrong with her nanny. She shares her concerns with her friend and neighbor, Marlene (Madeline Zima), who has also employed Peyton in the past. Together, they investigate Peyton's past and uncover a disturbing history of mental illness and multiple identities.

The tension in the story builds to a climax when Claire realizes that Peyton is plotting to harm her family. In a thrilling sequence, Claire confronts Peyton, leading to a fight that takes place throughout the house. The final moments of the film are a satisfying resolution that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" is a tense and engaging thriller that explores themes of motherhood, obsession, and revenge. The performances by the cast are excellent, with Rebecca De Mornay delivering a standout performance as the calculating and unstable Peyton Flanders. The film's cinematography and score also contribute to the eerie and foreboding atmosphere.

In conclusion, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" is a masterclass in tension and suspense, perfect for fans of psychological and dramatic thrillers.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 64.