As a seasoned horror aficionado who has watched Rosemary’s Baby more times than I care to admit, I must confess that Apartment 7A left me feeling like a jilted lover. While it is a competently crafted thriller with an excellent cast, it falls short in comparison to the timeless masterpiece that is Rosemary’s Baby.
apartment 7A is skillfully filmed and superbly performed as a precursor to Rosemary’s Baby, sharing a similar narrative, yet offering less novelty in the retelling.
The movie “Rosemary’s Baby,” a chilling masterpiece in horror, is renowned for its timeless appeal. Originating from Ira Levin’s novel and skillfully directed by Roman Polanski, this film follows the story of Rosemary and her husband Guy Woodhouse as they settle into a lavish New York apartment building called the Bramford. In this posh residence, they make acquaintances with some affluent neighbors.
However, a mysterious and ominous presence seems to dwell within the Bramford’s house. Consequently, without revealing the reasons, Rosemary becomes pregnant, which eventually leads to disastrous outcomes.
The movie is flawless, boasting one of the best endings in all horror genres. Interestingly enough, it’s a tale that doesn’t require any follow-ups or origins, making Apartment 7A, despite being a strong suspenseful piece, appear somewhat redundant.
What is Apartment 7A about?
In this captivating tale, I find myself delving into the life of Terry Gionoffrio, the enigmatic dancer who crosses paths with Rosemary in the classic film. Unlike the original, here we encounter Terry earlier on, offering a glimpse into her character before the main events unfold.
I, Terry, swapped the tranquil vistas of small-town Nebraska for the bustling energy of New York City, harboring dreams of making a mark in showbiz. Dancing is my heart’s delight, the medium through which I envision reaching those towering aspirations… Yet, it’s more than just a pursuit; it’s my sanctuary, the one realm where I hold the reins over my life.
In the opening scenes of the film, I found myself witnessing an unfortunate event – Terry taking a tumble during a stage performance, fracturing her ankle. This setback left her hobbling around with a noticeable limp, and it became increasingly challenging for her to secure work or cover her monthly expenses. Sadly, whispers began circulating in the theater community, labeling her as “the girl who fell,” casting a shadow over her once promising career.
As a gamer, when I scored the audition for the renowned producer, Alan Marchand, I was mortified, but I stood tall and assertive. I trailed behind him all the way to his apartment complex, only to find myself struck down by illness.
In disguise as the elderly pair, Minnie and Roman Castenet, two guardian angels first aid Terry. Later, they bestow upon her a residence within the Bramford building. It’s then that Terry encounters her genuine challenges.
Similarities to Rosemary’s Baby
Moving forward, Apartment 7A seems to adhere closely to the template of Rosemary’s Baby, offering nothing particularly original or novel in comparison.
The Castenets exhibit a unique blend of quirkiness, warmth, and humor once more. They form a kind of substitute parental figure for Terry, similar to how they later will for Rosemary.
In one of the film’s funniest lines, they promise that “the neighbours here are awful friendly.” This makes for nifty foreshadowing, as Terry then experiences a night she can’t quite remember, and wakes up with bruises all over her body.
In short order, she secures an unforgettable acting role, but at a certain price. It promptly emerges that Gionoffrio is expecting a child, causing her life to be thrown into disarray in an instant, as Terry’s professional aspirations are dashed before they truly got started. The movie subtly explores the dilemma of women who yearn for both family and career, and the challenges that society poses in this regard.
However, Terry’s Broadway dance performances fade into insignificance as she grapples with disturbing visions and excruciating pain that overshadows everything else.
The people living next door, who are planning to claim Rosemary’s baby, seem overly concerned about Terry’s upcoming child. If you’re familiar with the original story, you can predict where things are headed.
Julia Garner is superb as Terry Gionoffrio
The situation raises the somewhat disappointing thought: What’s the point? However, there are many appealing aspects to Apartment 7A. The director, Natalie Erika James, skillfully manages the production with a discerning gaze and steady control, based on a script she co-wrote with Christian White and Skylar James.
The movie effectively captures both the atmosphere and era, transporting us to 1960s New York, where it showcases the trendy fashions and home decor of the time. Notably, the Bramford is artistically filmed and composed to make its visuals stand out distinctly from previous versions.
Additionally, James finds enjoyment in incorporating tributes to iconic works such as the original Showgirls and the remake of Suspiria within scenes set in the realm of theatrical environments.
The acting is uniformly superb. Julia Garner is a magnetic presence, and manages to be all steely-eyed determination one moment, then painfully vulnerable the next. You really can’t take your eyes off her here.
Diane Wiest appears to be thoroughly enjoying herself in her portrayal of Minnie Castenet. Following in the footsteps of Ruth Gordon, who originated the role, is no small feat. However, Wiest rises to the challenge, displaying both brashness and kindness in the initial scenes of the movie. As the story unfolds, Minnie transforms into a more influential figure, with Wiest skillfully adapting her character accordingly.
Is Apartment 7A good?
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve just finished binge-playing Apartment 7A – a gripping psychological thriller that truly delivers on its promise. However, it seems to follow familiar footsteps reminiscent of the masterpiece Roman Polanski crafted back in 1968.
Viewing the film “Rosemary’s Baby” could offer a fresh perspective for individuals unfamiliar with it. However, as a timeless genre masterpiece that has stood the test of time for over five decades, potential viewers who are not already acquainted with it may be scarce.
This adaptation seems to be lacking the elements that create suspense, tension, and horror; the new version of Apartment 7A appears to have fewer scary moments compared to the original.
The result is a good film, but one that fails to take any real chances with the material, and therefore a missed opportunity.
Apartment 7A score: 3/5
While Apartment 7A is entertaining, you’re better off rewatching the original Rosemary’s Baby.
Rosemary’s Baby premiered at Fantastic Fest, while the movie hits Paramount+ on September 27, when it will also be available to download. For more Fantastic Fest reviews, check out out thoughts on Never Let Go and Terrifier 3.
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2024-09-21 01:18