Apartment 7A: A modern twist on a classic horror tale
Natalie Erika James’ latest film, “Apartment 7A”, serves as both a prequel to the iconic “Rosemary’s Baby” and a fresh entry in the burgeoning genre of pregnancy horror, a trend that has gained momentum following significant societal changes. This film, alongside others like “Immaculate” and “The First Omen”, taps into contemporary anxieties, making it a compelling watch for today’s audience.
A dual narrative: Prequel and standalone
Set in the mid-1960s, “Apartment 7A” follows the journey of Terry Gionoffrio (played by Julia Garner), a struggling stage actor. Terry’s character, originally a minor role in Roman Polanski’s film, is now given a rich backstory. The film explores how she ends up in the opulent New York apartment building, Bramford, the setting for “Rosemary’s Baby”. This narrative serves as both a prequel and a quasi-remake, echoing the original’s themes while introducing new elements.
The devil’s bargain
In the 1968 classic, Rosemary Woodhouse (portrayed by Mia Farrow) becomes pregnant with the Devil’s child, with her husband Guy (played by John Cassavetes) gaining professional success in return. “Apartment 7A” merges these storylines, presenting Terry as an aspiring actress whose pregnancy threatens her Broadway career. She faces a Faustian dilemma: accept the promise of fame and fortune by carrying her child to term, or risk losing everything.
A tale of forced motherhood
The film poignantly captures the struggles of a woman coerced into motherhood at the expense of her career. Before delving into this central conflict, the movie traces Terry’s journey through a debilitating injury that derails her career, leading to an addiction to painkillers. This subplot is short-lived, as she soon finds herself under the care of the seemingly benevolent Roman and Minnie Castevet (played by Kevin McNally and Diane Wiest). Other characters from “Rosemary’s Baby” make appearances, but “Apartment 7A” focuses on its own narrative, highlighting the overbearing influence of parental figures on Terry’s future.
The inevitability of tragedy
Given its prequel status, the film is bound to a tragic trajectory. This duality leaves it oscillating between original flourishes—such as visions of a bedazzled Satan symbolizing the allure of stardom—and familiar imagery from the original. James navigates these constraints adeptly, though the film lacks the paranoia-inducing atmosphere of Polanski’s work. Instead, Terry’s fears are more overt, allowing Garner to expand on her character in intriguing ways.
Standout performances
Diane Wiest shines as Minnie Castevet, offering a stark departure from Ruth Gordon’s portrayal in the original. While McNally‘s Roman remains consistent with Sidney Blackmer’s interpretation, Wiest brings a cartoonish shrillness to Minnie that initially grates but ultimately adds a deeply unsettling layer to her character. Her performance creates a fascinating tonal disconnect that enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Missed opportunities
Despite Wiest’s standout performance, other elements of “Apartment 7A” fall short. Terry’s injuries, initially depicted with unsettling close-ups, are soon sidelined and fail to reappear even as her pregnancy progresses. Garner portrays Terry’s physical anguish convincingly, but the camera often captures these moments from a distance, missing opportunities for deeper emotional engagement.
Aesthetic choices and their impact
The film’s visual approach to the Bramford building is somewhat self-defeating. The gaslight wash applied to the hallways gives the impression of an inherently evil space, akin to the hotel in “The Shining”, despite the narrative suggesting otherwise. This aesthetic choice undermines the welcoming environment the Castevets attempt to create for Terry, leaving little room for visual evolution as the story unfolds.
Final thoughts
As a modern reinterpretation of a nearly 60-year-old story, “Apartment 7A” offers a fresh perspective while paying homage to its predecessor. Though it may not reach the same heights of paranoia and suspense as “Rosemary’s Baby”, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking film that resonates with contemporary audiences.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer for Apartment 7A.
Note: This article is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of “Apartment 7A” for cinema enthusiasts, incorporating personal reflections and in-depth analysis to enrich the reader’s experience.