Experience the Timeless Horror Classic 'Rosemary's Baby'

Pregnancy is the best time of any woman’s life - not for Rosemary.

Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 psychological film. Rosemary and her husband, Guy move into an old apartment building. They make the happy decision to have a baby. Rosemary becomes increasingly paranoid as she suspects her neighbors are part of a sinister plot involving her unborn child.

Rosemary’s Baby is a classic horror film that still has a haunting ambiance now even when it was released in 1968. Thanks to horror, it makes any concept terrifying, especially the idea of pregnancy. The film’s suspenseful build-up has kept viewers talking about Rosemary’s Baby for decades.

I have never felt so bad for a character like Rosemary Woodhouse. Mia Farrow is astounding in her performance. She makes this character feel vulnerable but also sticks up for herself.

Farrow captures the character's initial innocence and optimism, which makes Rosemary’s gradual descent into fear and paranoia all the more harrowing. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time, but poor Rosemary is tortured both physically and mentally. She is isolated from any help or genuine care.

John Cassavetes plays Rosemary’s husband, Guy. I could write a full essay about every terrible thing Guy does in this film! Guy is so toxic to Rosemary. Even before the cryptic reveal of what’s really happening, Guy doesn’t let Rosemary have a say in anything. If she declines, Guy scolds her.

A memorable supporting cast is in Rosemary’s Baby. Ruth Gordon’s performance as the eccentric and nose neighbor, Minnie is wonderfully done. Gordon brings a subtle endearment and unsettling nature to this character. The same heads for most of the characters. More credits include Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellamy, Patsy Kelly, and Elisha Cook Jr.

The technical work in Rosemary’s Baby contributes to the success of the film. Every beat of Roman Polanski’s direction is deliberate. Dread permeates the atmosphere as the tension slowly builds. Polanski's use of close-ups and tight framing enhances the sense of claustrophobia, trapping the audience alongside Rosemary as her world unravels.

Rosemary's unsettling nightmare sequence, featuring the presence of the devil, stands out as a prime example of the film's ability to operate disorienting cinematography to disturb the audience. If that’s not enough the scare you, the score adds an eerie effect.

The film retains heavy themes that may trigger audiences regarding religion and rape. The film delicately touches upon the implied subject matter of rape, adding to its overall disturbing atmosphere.

Horror has several definitions. Unlike horror films now that rely on jump scares to get the message across, the horror in Rosemary’s Baby builds gradually, trapping viewers in Rosemary’s unraveling world. There’s more wrapped underneath the layers of this movie from the neighbor's sinister plan, Guy’s intentions to Rosemary, and Rosemary’s isolation.

The setting plays a significant role in intensifying the horror. Familiar settings are typically where we feel comfort, but Rosemary doesn’t feel safe anywhere, constantly running about as she descends further into her paranoia. The looming question remains: Who is watching her?

The film skillfully explores themes of paranoia, gaslighting, and the loss of agency, all within the context of a seemingly familiar setting. Rosemary’s loss of ownership of her own body is all the more unsettling when you think about it. She is stripped away from her personal endeavors and her desires.

Rosemary’s Baby still scares audiences today. It doesn’t matter what generation you are from. Take a look at Rosemary’s Baby this October. The ending is the film’s signature scene. It lingers under your skin right after the credits roll.