Hulu’s new psychological thriller movie might sound a little familiar to fans of ‘90s cinema. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” is a modern remake of the 1992 flick of the same name, and while it falls into the same pitfalls as many Hollywood redos of favorites from decades gone by (did we need a remake?), It’s got enough chills and slowly ratcheting tension to avoid being a disaster.
There’s nothing in this 2025 spin on the thriller as memorable as Rebecca De Mornay’s deliciously sinister performance in the original, but with Mary Elizabeth Winstead and “It Follows” star Maika Monroe subbed into the lead roles, and sleek (but safe) direction from Michelle Garza Cervera, this new “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” is no snoozer.
If you’re a Hulu subscriber (or Disney Plus in the U.K.) on the hunt for something new to watch this week, this remake is worth considering. It’s unlikely to top the classic original, but graded on a curve compared to other modern remakes, it’s certainly passable. I’m just not sure that all the changes to the source material were for the best.
What is ‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle’ about?
Sitting somewhere between a bold reimaging and a faithful remake, 2025’s “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” centers on an affluent suburban housewife, Caitlin (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who employs a new nanny, Polly (Maika Monroe), to care for her two young children.
At first, Polly seems like a dream hire. Not only is she great with the kids, but Caitlin’s husband Miguel (Raúl Castillo) approves, and the two women quickly bond. But underneath Polly’s polished exterior hides sinister intentions, and as Caitlin becomes increasingly paranoid, a darker scheme bubbles to the surface. Polly might not be who she claims to be...
‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle’ is serviceable streaming fodder
It’s perhaps a bit of a backhanded compliment to call “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” a solid “streaming movie,” but it’s an extremely apt description. Had this been released in theaters, I wouldn’t advise you to rush out to your nearest multiplex to cough up for an increasingly expensive ticket. But straight-to-streaming movies have a lower bar to clear, and “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” does enough.
Curiously, this 2025 spin on the twisting tale makes some pretty substantial story changes. The broad strokes are replicated, but screenwriter Micah Bloomberg reworks events, backstories and character motivations. In the original, there’s a dramatic irony to the fact that viewers know Mrs. Mott’s (De Mornay) real reason for taking up the nanny position from the very start.
Whereas in this remake, a sense of mystery is created by keeping Polly’s true identity hidden. When the big reveal comes, it’s not exactly shocking, largely because it’s extremely well signposted, but this change is at the very least interesting, even if I prefer the more upfront approach of the 1992 version.
It also means that Monroe has to play up the darker side of Polly from the start, but that’s a task she’s very capable of. Polly’s a figure who can say something perfectly pleasant, and yet you can’t help but feel a little spooked by her.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is equally well-suited to her role as a very 21st-century housewife (she stops her husband from buying farmer’s market pesto because of its high palm oil content at one point). As her suspicion of Polly’s true intention grows, she’s largely ignored by those around her, assured that she’s imagining things by her husband, which is effectively maddening. I assume the commentary on gaslighting is intentional.
If I were being charitable, I’d label “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” very “safe,” but if you wanted to call it “bland,” I couldn’t muster up all that much of a rebuttal. Even its look, from the slick modern home in which the majority of the movie is set, to the washed-out cinematography that rarely strays beyond soft lighting, lacks much personality of its own. It’s a remake that gets all the fundamental basics right, but lacks any true standout qualities.
However, if there’s one element that does leave any impression, it’s the occasional use of pretty extreme brutality. Considering this remake and the original before it are both a little silly from a narrative perspective (Polly is so obviously acting in bad faith it’s hard to buy that anybody wouldn’t share Caitlin’s concerns), so these very bloody moments do jar somewhat.
As remakes go, 2025’s “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” is at least inoffensive. It doesn’t surpass the original — Rebecca De Mornay’s unhinged performance is hard to beat — but it holds your attention as it speeds towards its inevitable endpoint. And frankly, if Hollywood is going to insist on remaking almost every successful movie from the previous century, I’d rather they attempt to bring something new to the table like this one does.
“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” fulfills its purpose of offering passable mid-week entertainment. It won’t replicate the legacy of its inspiration, but unlike some other ‘90s remakes/sequels released this year (Yes, I'm looking at you, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”), it doesn’t completely miss the mark either. Maybe that should be chalked up as a win, all things considered.
Looking for more new movies (and shows) to watch on Hulu? Then be sure to check out our complete guide to everything new on Hulu in October 2025.
Watch "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" on Hulu now
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