The Movie: Apartment 7A
The Director: Natalie Erika James
The Cast: Julia Garner, Dianne Wiest, Kevin McNally, Jim Sturgess, Marli Siu, Andrew Buchan, Rosy McEwen, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
The Story: A struggling young dancer finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected older couple promise her a shot at fame.
The Rating: 7 / 10
The Review:
If you're familiar with the 1962 classic horror movie Rosemary's Baby then you will have an even deeper appreciation for this movie as it is a direct prequel to that iconic story. While the story revolves around Terry Gionoffrio, a young dancer played by Julie Garner, the movie also features a return to the screen for Roman and Minnie Castevet from the original film so there is a very direct connection between the two movies. Kevin McNally and Dianne Wiest are quite brilliant in their performances as the devilish duo and of course Garner is in top form as always.
When I watched the movie during Fantastic Fest, I did not know of the connection with Rosemary's Baby but I still enjoyed the movie from beginning to end without ever knowing or feeling like I was missing anything. Now knowing this, it just makes me want to watch the original again to see all of the little details and connective threads between them which will probably make it an even more enjoyable experience.
I really like the fact that director Natalie Erika James, whose 2020 horror movie Relic is also quite good, keeps the movie pretty grounded and doesn't get all wild and crazy with the more supernatural and demonic elements of the story. Nowdays, filmmakers are so quick to take the bigger is better approach but this story is very well served as a bubbling tea kettle waiting to burst at any moment. The underlying tension and weight of what's happening is the real magic that makes this movie so effective and just enhances the intensity of the performances that much more.
I do have to mention also that Marli Siu has a supporting role in this film as Terry's best friend and fellow dancer which to me is significant because she also has a supporting role alongside Ella Hunt in 2018's Anna and the Apocalypse which, as a zombie horror Christmas comedy musical, is one of my all time favorite genre films. Yes, you read that right, now go watch it immediately.
Ultimately, this is a really good horror thriller that accomplishes what it sets out to do by giving you just enough tension and scares to make for a really fun and engaging experience. Julia Garner continues to add to her already impressive resume and, with two excellent movies under her belt, Natalie Erika James is becoming the type of director that gets you excited when you see her name attached to a project. More from both of them please and more movies like this!
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