Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
A landmark in psychological horror, Rosemary’s Baby (1968) is a slow-burning, atmospheric masterpiece that delves into paranoia, control, and the terrifying loss of autonomy. Directed by Roman Polanski and adapted from Ira Levin’s novel, the film follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), a young woman whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as she suspects a sinister plot surrounding her pregnancy.
Farrow’s performance is hauntingly vulnerable, capturing Rosemary’s descent into isolation and dread with remarkable intensity. The supporting cast, especially Ruth Gordon as the overbearingly eccentric Minnie Castevet, adds to the film’s unsettling charm. Polanski’s direction is meticulous, using claustrophobic cinematography and an eerie, minimalist score to build an unshakable sense of unease.
Unlike many horror films of its era, Rosemary’s Baby relies more on psychological tension than overt scares. Its horror lies in the everyday—the manipulation of trust, the violation of body and mind, and the creeping realization that evil may be lurking behind the most familiar of faces. The film’s chilling, ambiguous ending lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying it as one of the most influential horror films of all time.
Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A masterpiece of slow-burn horror, Rosemary’s Baby is as terrifying today as it was in 1968, proving that true horror stems from the loss of control and the unknown forces shaping our fate.
BY RUE MORGUE RECORDS
