The 1990s saw a wave of psychological thrillers that preyed on domestic fears, suggesting danger could lurk in the most trusted corners of a comfortable life. Among the most unsettling was a film about a family’s new nanny, whose charming exterior hid a vengeful agenda. The original movie became a massive hit, its villain leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Decades later, a new version has arrived, attempting to update the story for modern viewers.
This new adaptation makes some smart changes to the premise. The protagonist is now a successful, socially conscious lawyer who offers her help to a woman fighting a rent increase. When the lawyer later needs a nanny for her newborn, this same woman steps into the role, quickly embedding herself in the family’s life. The film introduces contemporary elements, including exploring the dynamics between the two women in a fresh way.
However, the update struggles with its tone and execution. From her first scenes, the new nanny is portrayed with such an overtly sinister edge that it becomes difficult to believe the intelligent, capable mother would ever hire her. While the script attempts to explain this through the mother’s liberal guilt and desire to help, the justification feels thin. The central problem of these narratives remains: a rational person’s growing suspicions are met with uniform disbelief from everyone around them, a trope that feels increasingly hard to swallow.
The film wavers between attempting a serious, slow-burn drama and embracing its more outlandish, pulpy roots. The lead performance from the mother is grounded and earnest, yet the plot often descends into moments that are almost comically melodramatic. This creates a confusing experience, leaving the audience unsure whether they are watching a prestige thriller or a campy B-movie. Most critically, the new nanny, while menacing, lacks the chilling, nuanced malevolence that made the original character so iconic. The performance is solid but never reaches the terrifying, captivating heights of its predecessor.
Ultimately, this remake is a serviceable but unremarkable entry in the current wave of nostalgia-driven projects. It provides some entertainment and a few clever twists but fails to recapture the searing tension or create a villain for the ages. The cradle rocks, but without a truly firm hand at the helm, the impact is muted.
