Apartment 7A (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
As we dive into the world of horror with Apartment 7A (2024), it’s impossible to ignore the chilling atmosphere this prequel brings to the legendary film Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Directed by Natalie Erika James, Apartment 7A offers a fresh but familiar journey, exploring the story of Terry Gionoffrio, a character who played a pivotal yet brief role in the original movie. With stellar performances from Julia Garner, Dianne Wiest, and Jim Sturgess, this film stands as a significant addition to the horror genre, exploring themes of bodily autonomy and societal control.
Plot Overview: The Unseen Story Behind Rosemary’s Baby
The setting of Apartment 7A takes place within the infamous Bramford building, a location deeply rooted in Rosemary’s Baby. Terry Gionoffrio (played by Julia Garner) moves to New York in hopes of fulfilling her Broadway dreams, but her ambition quickly turns into a nightmare when she falls under the influence of the sinister Roman and Minnie Castevet, portrayed by Kevin McNally and Dianne Wiest, respectively.
The film opens with Terry struggling to regain her footing after a tragic onstage accident. Injured and down on her luck, she meets the eccentric Castevets, who generously offer her a place to stay in the Bramford. What starts as a chance to rebuild her career turns into a terrifying realization that the Castevets’ generosity comes with malevolent strings attached.
Terry soon becomes entangled in a web of dark conspiracies, including cult rituals and body horror that mirror the harrowing journey of Rosemary Woodhouse from the original movie. The film also subtly engages in contemporary issues, echoing the political landscape of 2024, where reproductive rights are under siege in the U.S., making the themes of coercion and control ever so relevant.
Performances: Julia Garner Steals the Show
If there’s one standout element of Apartment 7A, it’s Julia Garner’s performance as Terry. She brings depth to a character who was only briefly touched upon in the original film, giving her life, hopes, fears, and an underlying desperation. Garner’s ability to convey vulnerability and determination through subtle body language and expressions is nothing short of masterful.
Dianne Wiest’s portrayal of Minnie Castevet, while a departure from Ruth Gordon’s original performance, adds a new layer to the character. Her exaggerated New Yorker persona may feel grating at times, but it serves as a sinister façade masking darker intentions. Kevin McNally, on the other hand, brings a subdued, calculated malevolence to Roman Castevet, which contrasts well with Wiest’s theatricality.
Jim Sturgess as Alan Marchand, the sleazy Broadway producer, also plays a crucial role. His character embodies the oppressive patriarchal structures that manipulate and ultimately doom Terry. Sturgess’s portrayal, while subtle, builds the tension necessary for the film’s climactic moments.
Directing and Cinematography: A Mixed Bag
Natalie Erika James, known for her atmospheric style in Relic (2020), imbues Apartment 7A with a similar moodiness. However, where Relic thrived on building dread through slow-burn horror, Apartment 7A sometimes falters under the weight of its legacy. The set design feels like a mere backdrop rather than a living, breathing space, unlike Polanski’s original Bramford, which was as much a character as the people in it.
That said, James does bring innovative elements, particularly in her use of dance and choreography to convey Terry’s psychological and physical unraveling. The scenes in which Terry is forced to re-enact her injury during an audition, while painful to watch, serve as a metaphor for her lack of control over her body and fate.
The color palette shifts from vibrant Art Deco-inspired visuals during Terry’s dreamlike Broadway performances to muted, desaturated tones during her time at the Bramford, reflecting her gradual descent into horror.
Themes: Paranoia and Bodily Autonomy
While Apartment 7A has its fair share of supernatural horror, its most disturbing elements lie in the underlying themes of control and coercion. Terry’s journey mirrors the broader anxieties women face regarding bodily autonomy, especially in the post-Roe v. Wade era in the United States. The film touches on the fear of losing control over one’s body, whether through external societal pressures or dark supernatural forces.
Much like Rosemary Woodhouse in Rosemary’s Baby, Terry is subjected to gaslighting, manipulation, and eventual loss of agency. Her ambitions, her dreams, and ultimately, her body become tools for others to use. This theme resonates deeply in 2024, where the political climate has heightened fears around women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
Where to Watch Apartment 7A Online
Apartment 7A was released directly to streaming services, bypassing a theatrical release. If you’re in the U.S., the film is available for streaming on Paramount+, the platform where you can catch this much-anticipated prequel. Paramount+ offers several subscription options, including a free trial for new users, making it a convenient way to dive into the story of Terry Gionoffrio and the sinister Bramford.
For those who prefer renting or purchasing digital copies, Apartment 7A is also available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. These services offer both rental and purchase options, giving viewers flexibility in how they choose to watch the film.
Final Verdict: A Chilling, If Familiar, Prequel
While Apartment 7A may not reach the iconic heights of Rosemary’s Baby, it stands as an engaging prequel that enriches the backstory of one of the original film’s most intriguing characters. Julia Garner’s performance alone is worth the watch, and though the film struggles to break free from the shadow of its predecessor, it provides enough atmospheric horror and thematic relevance to keep viewers invested.
