As a long-time fan of suspenseful films and a connoisseur of actress performances, I must say that Apartment 7A left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I was captivated by the gripping tension that built up as Terry (played brilliantly by Keira Knightley) slowly uncovered the truth about her neighbors. The scenes between Knightley and the legendary Dianne Wiest were particularly chilling, with Wiest delivering a performance that sent shivers down my spine.
As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve found myself in a situation where I need to call the superintendent about Apartment 7A. This place seems more like a pale imitation of the cinematic genius that was “Rosemary’s Baby,” a bone-chilling masterpiece from 1968 directed by Roman Polanski, who also brought us “Chinatown.” The film, starring Mia Farrow, tells the unique story of a young woman uncovering a sinister plot to make her give birth to the Antichrist. It was unlike anything audiences had experienced before, offering a gut-wrenching cinematic experience not seen since “Psycho,” released in 1960. If you haven’t read Ira Levin’s bestselling novel, you might have missed out on that chilling suspense and the dark undertones it carried.
In this story, Julia Garner takes on the role of Terry Gionoffrio, a determined young dancer with lofty ambitions. A supporting character from the initial movie, her aspirations for success in New York City are abruptly halted following a tragic accident. When an affluent older couple (Dianne Wiest and Kevin McNally) offer her shelter in their opulent apartment within the Bramford building, Terry is convinced she’s found security.
In a manner similar to the original movie, Terry undergoes an eventful evening that she can hardly recall. Those who watched the first film are already aware of her fate – she’s been chosen as Satan’s surrogate mother. By developing Terry’s character, the creators aim to provide a contemporary take on the “Rosemary’s Baby” experience. The movie, titled “Apartment 7A”, features captivating intrigue and outstanding performances by Julia Garner (from “Ozark”) and Dianne Wiest (from “Bullets Over Broadway”). However, it doesn’t manage to evoke the genuine terror or the original film’s distinctive religious horror. While these talented actors keep the movie afloat, it unfortunately fails to fully impress.
Another Paramount+ Title Relies on Past Paramount Hits
To fully grasp how we ended up in our current situation might necessitate a brief recap from Paramount Pictures. In 1967, the influential Robert Evans took over as studio head with the intention of revitalizing the struggling company. He certainly achieved this, starting with the release of “Rosemary’s Baby”. This film was not only commercially successful but also left a lasting cultural impact.
In the 1970s, a series of influential films such as “Love Story”, “The Godfather”, and “Chinatown” (to name just a few) propelled Paramount into a dominant position in the film industry. However, after stepping down from his role as studio head in 1974, Evans shaped a new direction for the company. In the years that followed, Paramount produced some of Hollywood’s most iconic films including “Grease”, “American Gigolo”, “Flashdance”, “Top Gun”, “Ordinary People”, “The Elephant Man”, “Raiders of the Last Ark”, and “Mission: Impossible”, to name just a few. This trend continued over time.
Fast forward to present day, we find ourselves with Paramount+, striving to maintain a devoted viewer base by revisiting past successes. Every once in a while, we’re treated to something exceptional, such as The Offer, which featured Miles Teller and Matthew Goode portraying Robert Evans in a limited series chronicling the production of The Godfather. Generally speaking, we appreciate all things related to Star Trek, while steering clear of titles like Fatal Attraction, a remake that fails to impress creatively. Apartment 7A has its intriguing moments, largely due to the performances of Garner and Wiest, as well as director/writer Natalie Erika James, whose work on Relic offers unexpected twists that keep viewers engaged without inducing intense fear.
Following Terry’s Character from Rosemary’s Baby
Revisiting the character of Terry seems appealing on paper, as she only had a fleeting interaction with Rosemary in the initial film, where she comforted Rosemary about her neighbors, the Castevets (portrayed by Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer). However, when Rosemary and her husband (John Cassavetes) revisit the Bramford apartment building, they uncover distressing news regarding Terry, and the storyline titled “Apartment 7A” delves into her subsequent experiences.
In this version of Bramford, we find Alan (Jim Sturgess), a theater producer on Broadway, who extends an opportunity for stardom to Terry. This is precisely what she yearns for, and the portrayal of her heart-wrenching stage accident and subsequent recovery are skillfully edited, piquing our interest while hinting at the immense efforts Terry will make to realize her dreams.
As a movie enthusiast, I found the director ingeniously intertwining musical sequences to depict the dreamy, almost surreal moments in the storyline that seem to be on the verge of reality for the protagonist, Terry. These vibrant and imaginative scenes, which resemble glimpses into Terry’s distorted mind, were captivating, but I couldn’t help feeling that a heightened sense of suspense or dread throughout the film would have made the overall experience even more engaging.
The Second Half of Apartment 7A Picks Up Steam
In the closing part of the movie, you’ll notice an increase in suspense as tension builds. As Terry gradually uncovers the real identities of her neighbors, it becomes captivating to see Garner and Wiest engage in a thrilling confrontation, each trying to outwit the other. Garner, known for her consistent excellence in modern acting, delivers an outstanding performance in this film, making her character feel authentic. Despite the script not providing many opportunities for her to shine, it’s a joy to witness this talented actress once again demonstrate her versatility and ability to slip effortlessly into any role.
Dianne Wiest steals the show, however. It’s hard to top Ruth Gordon’s take on Minnie Castevets, but sure enough, Wiest seizes the moment, making this sketchy character all the more daunting and downright evil. Joining an otherwise fine mix of solid actors is Marli Siu (Everything I Know About Love), playing Terry’s go-to pal, along with Andrew Buchan (All the Money in the World), Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean), and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Wonka).
Worth a Watch Despite Failing to Meet the Moment
Without a doubt, Apartment 7A, produced by John Krasinski (known for A Quiet Place), aims to captivate a new generation of viewers with its intriguing plotline. The novel by Ira Levin, with its exploration of female subjugation, Satanic cults, and the enigmatic allure of an Upper West Side luxury apartment, has lingered in your memory. However, compared to its original counterparts from the ’60s, Apartment 7A may not be as terrifying or unique. Modern audiences tend to crave more excitement, whether it’s beneficial or detrimental. With a deluge of high-action superhero films and constant stimulation from social media videos, it’s increasingly difficult to maintain viewer engagement.
Regarding Apartment 7A, even though it may not be favorable for that specific unit, it doesn’t imply you should avoid knocking on the door and entering if necessary. The acting in this film is truly remarkable, although the fear, anxiety, and shock it evokes might not be as enjoyable. Apartment 7A made its debut at Fantastic Fest on September 20th, and it will start streaming on Paramount+ from September 27th. You’ll be able to watch it using the link provided once it becomes available.
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2024-09-24 20:01