De Mornay seems to have found her true vocation playing the nanny from hell, but while the ensuing thrills may well be enjoyed by many, anyone with offspring of their own would be wise to stay away.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:31
Fresh:17
Rotten:14
Average Rating:5.6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Rebecca De Mornay stars as a nanny with an evil agenda in this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL). When her new obstetrician Dr. Mott (John DeLancie), touches... Rebecca De Mornay stars as a nanny with an evil agenda in this psychological thriller directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL). When her new obstetrician Dr. Mott (John DeLancie), touches Claire Bartel (Annabella Sciorra) inappropriately during an exam, Claire reports him. The scandal ultimately causes Dr. Mott's suicide and his wife's miscarriage. Determined to have both a child and revenge, Mrs. Mott (De Mornay), now going by the name Peyton Flanders, poses as the perfect nanny and is hired by Claire and her husband, Michael (Matt McCoy), to care for their young daughter, Emma (Madeline Zima), and infant son. Seemingly sweet and helpful, Peyton slowly infiltrates the family's world. Once she has gained their trust, she begins to wreak havoc in their lives. Claire begins to doubt her husband's fidelity, her abilities as a mother, and virtually every other aspect of her life--including her sanity--as Peyton deliberately tries to ruin her life and replace her as a wife and mother. De Mornay is a delicious villain--all sugar and spice in front of the family but positively venomous when plotting and executing her revenge. Director Hanson crafts his thriller with great skill and attention to character, making this a must-see. [More]
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Annabella Sciorra, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay, Annabella Sciorra, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson, Julianne Moore, Madeline Zima, John DeLancie
Director: Curtis Hanson
Director: Curtis Hanson
Screenwriter: Amanda Silver
Producer: David Madden
Composer: Graeme Revell
Reviews for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
As the film progresses, malicious schemes and loony excesses are combined, with Hanson's self-conscious direction rendering one particularly sensational murder even more implausible.
A unexpected pleasure to watch, disturbing for new parents, slightly silly but ever so enjoyable.
Cradle is the kind of cheap thrill you hate yourself for responding to. But director Curtis Hanson and a terrific cast provide enough scary fun to make Cradle the first fright-night hit of '92.
There are a few surprises and some clever misdirection, but it does take a long time to get there.
Hanson creates the occasionally effective shock effect to satisfy those who want to squeal in mock fright. More often the devices he uses are such tired tricks... to create the illusion of suspense that can't be sustained.
This jovially sinister, middle-class morality tale-cum-horror show is predictable, implausible and fiendishly entertaining.
Latest News for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
November 30, 2007:
Samuel L. Jackson Rocks the Cradle
Once you've co-starred in an action "comedy" with Eugene Levy, the only way to go is up -- or so you'd think. Samuel L. Jackson, apparently, has other ideas. More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

