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Poster for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

Seen it?

1992 | 110 min | Drama, Thriller

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

People are still talking about it and it made about 12 times its budget. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Room or The Sixth Sense, start here.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

A suburban family chooses seemingly sweet Peyton Flanders as their newborn's nanny. Only much later does the infant's mother, Claire Bartel, realize Peyton's true intentions -- to destroy Claire and replace her in the family. The nail-biting suspense builds quickly in this chilling psychological thriller about deception and bitter revenge.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    5 wins and 6 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $140 million worldwide on a $12 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 771K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Curtis Hanson

  • Annabella SciorraClaire Bartel
  • Rebecca De MornayMrs. Mott / Peyton Flanders
  • Matt McCoyMichael Bartel
  • Ernie HudsonSolomon
  • Madeline ZimaEmma Bartel
  • Julianne MooreMarlene Craven
  • John de LancieDr. Victor Mott
  • Kevin SkousenMarty Craven
  • Mitchell LauranceLawyer
  • Jane JonesWoman in Park