Apartment 7A, directed by Natalie Erika James (Relic), offers a fresh yet familiar dive into the eerie world of Rosemary’s Baby. Marketed as a prequel to the iconic 1968 horror classic, the film stands tall on its own with a mesmerizing performance by Julia Garner (Ozark) and hauntingly beautiful visuals that keep viewers on edge.
Garner plays Terry Gionoffrio, an ambitious young dancer whose dreams of fame in New York are dashed after a devastating injury. Welcomed into the luxurious Bramford building by a wealthy couple, played to perfection by Dianne Wiest (I Care a Lot) and Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean), Terry's journey takes a dark turn when a mysterious Broadway producer (Jim Sturgess, Across the Universe) offers her a chance at a new life. But her resurgence in the performing arts comes at a terrible price, as strange occurrences begin to unfold within the Bramford and, more disturbingly, in the titular Apartment 7A.
While this psychological thriller draws heavily on the lore of Rosemary's Baby, it brings its own unique flavor. The film leans into slow-burn tension, with striking dream sequences that juxtapose whimsical imagery against the unsettling realities of life at the Bramford. The set design is exceptional, evoking a timeless quality that feels both nostalgic and ominous as if each room was plucked straight from an old family album.
Garner, as expected, is a scene-stealer. She shines in a role that demands not just physicality—especially in grueling sequences that harken back to her character's days as a dancer—but also deep emotional range as Terry grapples with the sinister forces closing in around her. The supporting cast, particularly Wiest, strikes the perfect balance between charm and menace, enhancing the film's unsettling atmosphere.
Perhaps one of the film's most notable achievements is its portrayal of the demon, a completely original and visually arresting design unlike anything seen before. The entity feels alien yet terrifyingly grounded in the film's world, adding to the overall sense of unease.
However, for those familiar with Rosemary’s Baby, some elements of Apartment 7A may feel overly familiar. The beats of the story follow similar patterns, which, while engaging, may leave some viewers longing for more innovation in the plot. That said, the film's pacing is tighter than the original, keeping the audience gripped from start to finish—arguably even surpassing the original in terms of sheer engagement.
One standout aspect is the film's soundtrack, which complements the visuals with a steady build of tension. The combination of music and imagery creates an immersive experience, allowing moments of quiet dread to fester until they boil over into terror. Though some may question the need for a prequel to such an iconic movie, Apartment 7A manages to justify its existence with solid performances and a stylish production that modernizes the tale while maintaining its core themes of paranoia and ambition.
Ultimately, Apartment 7A is a surprisingly competent entry into the world of Rosemary’s Baby. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it offers an enjoyable, unsettling ride. For fans of the original, it’s worth watching for the added context, and for newcomers, it serves as a chilling standalone story with just enough psychological depth and supernatural terror to leave an impact.
Jessie Hobson