Rosemary’s Baby

Frank’s Film Review: Rosemary’s Baby
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Rosemary’s Baby remains one of the most gripping entries in cinematic horror, a film that still sends shivers down spines more than fifty years after its release. Adapted from Ira Levin’s bestselling novel, the movie captured public imagination in 1968—and continues to provoke debate for its inventive storytelling, striking performances, and cultural impact.

At the heart of this chilling tale is Rosemary Woodhouse, played by Mia Farrow in a performance that is as fragile as it is fierce. Farrow, with her waifish beauty and haunted eyes, embodies a woman whose world gradually unravels. Rosemary and her husband, Guy (John Cassavetes, as compelling as he is handsome), settle into an old New York apartment building with a history as dark as its hallways. Their neighbors, the eccentric and intrusive Castevets (Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer), are quick to befriend the young couple, but a series of strange events sets Rosemary on edge.

The plot meticulously draws viewers into Rosemary’s growing paranoia. Shortly after moving in, Rosemary and Guy are delighted by the news of her pregnancy, yet celebrations are short-lived. Nightmares, odd dietary cravings, mysterious pains, and the neighbors’ discomforting attention soon overwhelm Rosemary. As Guy grows distant and more invested in his acting career, Rosemary finds herself increasingly isolated. When she suspects that those around her—perhaps even Guy—have sinister plans for her unborn child, the tension escalates to a fever pitch. The final act, in which Rosemary discovers the horrifying truth about her Baby’s parentage, remains one of cinema’s most jaw-dropping reveals.

The film’s atmosphere is nothing short of expertly nerve-wracking. Working from Levin’s razor-sharp narrative, the story creates a slow-building sense of dread. The setting, mostly confined to the Woodhouses’ apartment and the eerie Bramford building, is claustrophobic and unsettling, evoking a sense of inescapable danger. The unsettling soundtrack, suspenseful moments, and artistic camera work immerse audiences in a world where they constantly question what is real or imagined.

Upon its release, Rosemary’s Baby left audiences and critics in awe. By delving into themes like witchcraft, bodily autonomy, and the sinister truths hidden behind polite facades, the film shattered taboos and redefined the boundaries of mainstream horror. Its cultural and commercial impact was undeniable, grossing over $33 million—a remarkable feat for a genre film of its era. To top it off, Ruth Gordon earned an Academy Award for her unforgettable performance playing Minnie Castevet.

Rosemary’s Baby is more than a product of its era. With its razor-sharp script, haunting performances, and chilling atmosphere, it remains a masterpiece. While the film’s occult overtones established new ground for horror, its true terror lies in something far more familiar—the slow, inescapable realization that those we trust most might betray us. Anyone who values masterful cinema should watch this adaptation of Levin’s chilling novel.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.