Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

A horror classic based on Ira Levin’s novel of the same name. Disclaimer that the director, Roman Polanski, is a trash human and I do not endorse him. 

Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars

Plot: Young couple Rosemary and Guy move into a new apartment in hopes of starting a family. While the building has a sordid past, their new neighbors seem incredibly friendly. In fact, maybe a bit overbearing as Rosemary navigates a new pregnancy and Guy finds success at work.

Analysis: There are tons of cues beyond the actual plot events that add to the eerie atmosphere. The changes in Rosemary’s appearance reflect her mood and how she’s feeling and Mia Farrow plays the role perfectly. The soundtrack adds a grating sense of urgency and unease in tense moments. 

This story has so much to say about women’s autonomy and really the lack thereof in the 1960s (which I credit to Levin, not Polanski). Women’s concerns were often overlooked or brushed aside, with their husbands being viewed as the level headed decision makers. 

It should also be noted that the only time Rosemary’s concerns are truly heard are when her girlfriends barricade the kitchen so she can cry and express her worries. They listen and validate her pain, rather than brushing it away. The importance of female friendships, especially in the face of such abuse and control, remains today. 

With lasting themes and a well executed atmosphere of suspense, Rosemary’s Baby is a classic for a reason.