Reviewed by Seth Metoyer, MoreHorrorMovies.com,
One of my favorite films of all time is Rosemary’s Baby, so when I heard that Apartment 7A (streaming now exclusively on Paramount+ and available to purchase on digital) was a prequel diving into the mysterious past of Terry Gionoffrio and the Castevets, I was immediately intrigued.
Revisiting that unsettling world, exploring the lives of the enigmatic characters that existed before Rosemary, had the potential to offer fans more layers to the iconic story. While Apartment 7A, directed by Natalie Erika James from a screenplay she co-wrote with Christian White and Skylar James, delivers on atmosphere and some key performances, it falls short in other areas, ultimately leaving much to be desired.
Impeccable Set Design Captures the Essence of the 1960s
One of the true highlights of Apartment 7A is its impeccable set design, which does an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of the 1960s. From the furnishings to the fashion, every detail feels authentic, transporting viewers back to the era in which the events unfold. The attention to period-appropriate decor, from the wallpaper to the vintage kitchen appliances, adds to the film's immersion and successfully recreates the haunting atmosphere that made Rosemary’s Baby so memorable. This commitment to authenticity helps ground the story in its time, making the visual experience a standout even when other aspects of the film falter.
Diane Wiest’s Chilling Minnie Castevet
One of the shining stars of this film is Diane Wiest, who steps into the shoes of Minnie Castevet, bringing a fresh yet terrifying portrayal of the character. Her version of Minnie is, in many ways, even more sinister than Ruth Gordon’s iconic performance in Rosemary’s Baby. While Gordon’s Minnie had a strange, neighborly warmth that made her ultimate intentions so shocking, Wiest leans fully into the darkness. There’s an unsettling edge to her that perfectly captures the creeping dread of the Castevets, and she’s a joy to watch as she manipulates and schemes.
A Decent, But Forgettable Roman
While Diane Wiest’s Minnie shines, Roman, played by Kevin McNally, doesn’t quite reach the heights of his predecessor, Sidney Blackmer. There’s a certain gravitas that Blackmer brought to the role, a mix of charm and malevolence that made Roman so unforgettable. In Apartment 7A, McNally does a serviceable job, but it’s hard to escape the shadow of Blackmer’s performance. Roman feels somewhat diminished here, though the chemistry between him and Minnie still holds the screen.
The Rest of the Cast Struggles to Stand Out
Unfortunately, beyond Wiest, the rest of the cast fails to leave much of an impression. Much of the movie feels hollow. I thought that the portrayal of Terry Gionoffrio played by Julia Garner was decent, but after the movie went on, it felt disjointed. Maybe that was intentional, but, something felt out of place there. While the idea of exploring Terry’s background and her relationship with the Castevets was promising, the execution feels underdeveloped and unraveled too fast, leaving her storyline feeling more like a missed opportunity than a gripping narrative thread. The storyline behind the misogynistic play director, Alan Marchand, played by Jim Sturgess left much to be desired. The way the character was dispatched from life was abrupt and lackluster. It really felt like the writers didn't know what to do with the character. I think the story might have worked better as a limited series than a movie. There was a lot more that could have been done with the characters and story.
A Dance Scene Homage to Suspiria
There are moments in Apartment 7A that work as pure cinematic spectacle. One particular scene—an eerie, contorted dance sequence that serves as a nod to Dario Argento’s Suspiria—stood out as a visual highlight. The lighting, the twisted movements, the unsettling choreography—it's a clear homage to one of horror’s great films. It’s these small details that suggest the filmmakers had a deep love for the horror genre, even if the overall storytelling doesn’t always deliver.
The Forced "Nun Scene"
A particular low point in the film comes in a scene involving a nun, which felt forced and ultimately hollow. It was as if the filmmakers were attempting to squeeze in a significant amount of exposition and information into a single moment, but the result was flat and unnecessary. Instead of enhancing the plot, the scene disrupts the pacing and adds little value. This misstep contributes to the overall feeling that the film is trying to do too much without fully developing the most important aspects of its story.
Satan’s Uninspired Visuals Miss the Mark
One of the most iconic elements of Rosemary’s Baby was how the film handled the presentation of Satan, shrouding him in mystery and leaving much to the viewer's imagination. In Apartment 7A, however, the visuals of Satan are far less subtle—and far less effective. The designs felt uninspired, undermining the eerie and ambiguous atmosphere that made the original film so terrifying. Instead of the brief, disturbing glimpse we got in Rosemary’s Baby, Apartment 7A opts for a more overt presentation, which feels out of place and robs the scene of any real tension.
Easter Eggs for the Fans
Fans of Rosemary’s Baby will enjoy spotting the Easter eggs scattered throughout Apartment 7A. Whether it’s subtle callbacks to scenes from the original or references to the Bramford building's eerie history, these moments feel like winks to longtime devotees of the story. But beyond these nods, the film fails to truly expand on the mythology in a meaningful way. It’s as if it’s too preoccupied with paying tribute to its predecessor rather than fully carving out its own identity.
A Disappointing Narrative Void
Despite its connections to Rosemary’s Baby, Apartment 7A struggles to fill the void left by the original. The film’s exploration of Terry’s life and her interactions with the Castevets feels surface-level, and the movie often drifts, feeling more like a collection of scenes than a cohesive narrative. While fans like myself may appreciate revisiting this world, the film doesn’t pack the emotional or psychological punch that made Rosemary’s Baby such a horror masterpiece.
Paramount Plus Promo Perks
On a lighter note, Paramount Plus sent over some great promotional items tied to the release of Apartment 7A. The box included Spiritless Old Fashioneds with branded glasses, a Bramford Hotel Candle, and some treats that added to the immersive experience of revisiting the world of Rosemary’s Baby. The attention to detail in the promo items was a nice touch, capturing the essence of the film’s haunting atmosphere. I’ve included a few photos of the items in the review below.
Final Thoughts
Apartment 7A is a mixed bag. While it has some standout moments, particularly thanks to Diane Wiest’s chilling performance as Minnie Castevet, it often feels hollow and underdeveloped. The forced "nun scene" and the lackluster visuals of Satan detract from the film's potential, leaving viewers yearning for the understated dread of Rosemary’s Baby. Fans of the original may appreciate the Easter eggs and callbacks, but the film struggles to capture the same level of menace and tension that made its predecessor so unforgettable.
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Stream or purchase Apartment 7A on Paramount Plus www.paramountplus.com.