As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast who has lived through countless sleepless nights thanks to my overactive imagination, I must say that the upcoming prequel “Apartment 7A” has piqued my interest. Having grown up watching the iconic “Rosemary’s Baby,” I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for this new addition to the universe.
This fall season is filled with many spine-tingling horror movies to keep you at the edge of your seat even from home! One such film is “Apartment 7A,” a prequel to the legendary horror movie “Rosemary’s Baby” from 1968, starring Julia Garner. Mark your calendars for September 27, 2024, as this chilling production will be exclusively available on Paramount+ with a subscription. Although reviews on the film are divided, critics have praised Dianne Wiest’s performance in it.
In the prequel titled “Apartment 7A“, Julia Garner portrays Terry Gionoffrio, a character originally from Roman Polanski’s movie. The story unfolds a year prior to the events in “Rosemary’s Baby” and follows Terry, a dancer, who sustains an injury on stage and subsequently gets a chance to reside in a posh Bramford apartment with an elderly couple. Dianne Wiest and Kevin McNally bring Minnie and Roman Castevet to life, roles that might resonate with those familiar with the classic tale. Here’s what some critics have to share about this prequel.
According to Siddhant Adlakha from Variety, the movie is generally enjoyable, but at times he struggles with the balance between its inevitable tragic elements and the unique aspects it attempts to introduce into the storyline. Nonetheless, the film possesses a surprising twist, as noted by the critic.
In the movie, Meryl Streep stands out as the unexpected strength, deviating significantly from Ruth Gordon’s portrayal of Minnie. On the other hand, McNally maintains the straightforward and friendly character that Sidney Blackmer originally played for Roman. However, Streep takes a bold approach with an over-the-top, screechy tone which can be jarring at first but fits perfectly as a nosy neighbor.
Maggie Boccella from Collider, among others, has noted the striking similarity in plot between this prequel and ‘Rosemary’s Baby’. Maggie Boccella finds Dianne Wiest to be the sole delightful element in the movie, as she puts it.
In another turn of events, Dianne Wiest seems to relish her scenes as if they were a delightful four-course meal. It’s a role that is more enjoyable to watch her grow into, rather than fade out from, and she undeniably stands out (perhaps even being the only truly pleasurable part) of the film. Her accent, though hard to pinpoint, reminds me strongly of my elderly cousin Carol – whenever someone adopts a voice like that, I’m instantly intrigued. Kevin McNally also holds his own, but Wiest manages to outshine him even in the most crucial scenes for Terry.
According to James Mottram from GamesRadar, Apartment 7A manages to evoke the same ambiance as the 1968 classic, although it may fall short in terms of its unique qualities. In other words, while the film doesn’t offer anything entirely new, it does successfully recreate the feel of the original.
Natalie Erika James, who serves as both director and co-writer, excels at adding chilling touches to her work. The scene where Terry’s belly expands is particularly memorable. Lupita Nyong’o gives a convincing performance as a possible demonic suspect, but Judy Greer steals the show with her intensely unsettling portrayal. However, Apartment 7A sometimes feels like it’s borrowing heavily from other horror films, such as when a rival character experiences a gruesome death reminiscent of Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria remake. Despite this, the film boasts high-profile producers (John Krasinski and Michael Bay) and features music from the ’60s, notably “Be My Baby.” Overall, it is skillfully made, although it may not significantly add to the original movie.
According to Sayantan Gayen of CBR, the movie offers a more nuanced portrayal of Terry compared to Mia Farrow’s character Rosemary, scoring it 7 out of 10. Despite not being particularly original, Apartment 7A features standout performances, particularly from Dianne Wiest and notably Julia Garner. Further insights from the critic are available.
In every scene she appears, Wiest truly steals the limelight. She portrays a variety of characters, such as a nurturing old lady who provides food and cuts Terry’s hair like a mother during the film’s more light-hearted moments. However, her chilling glances expose her true nature – she is a cunning, ruthless woman hiding beneath a veneer of kindness during the darker scenes. Minnie gradually reveals her devious side, and among the prequel’s supporting characters, Wiest delivers an exceptional performance that stands out.
25 Years Later’s JP Nunez notes that Apartment 7A, initially, seems more like a remake than a prequel. However, director Natalie Erika James skillfully handles the project and offers a film that’s definitely worth watching. Similar to other critics, Nunez commends Dianne Wiest for her outstanding performance, which stands out among the impressive portrayals by both actresses. In his review, he expresses this as:
As soon as this woman starts speaking with her distinctive New York squeak, she reminds you strongly of our beloved Minnie Castevet, yet she brings a unique flair to the character herself. In a few brief instances, Minnie reveals her sinister side beneath her polite facade, and Wiest perfectly captures those moments too. Overall, it’s an outstanding performance, and when combined with Julia Garner’s portrayal of Terry, they make Apartment 7A an enjoyable watch.
As a gamer relaxing at home, if a gripping movie like “Apartment 7A” is something you’d pop in for a thrilling night in, mark your calendars! It’ll be streaming exclusively on Paramount+ – one of the top-notch platforms – starting September 27th. Until then, if you’re eager to get back into the swing of things in this intriguing world, consider revisiting “Rosemary’s Baby”. You can stream it right now with an Amazon Prime subscription!
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2024-09-23 00:37