“Apartment 7A”: A first look at the forerunner to Rosemary’s Baby

"Apartment 7A": A first look at the forerunner to Rosemary's Baby

As a devoted fan of all things horror and a connoisseur of the occult, I must say that the upcoming film “Apartment 7A” has me absolutely spellbound! Having grown up on classics like Rosemary’s Baby, the prospect of delving deeper into the Bramford’s dark history is too tantalizing to resist.

In one of the most iconic occult horror movies from the 20th century, a young pair disregard warnings and urban legends to settle into an apartment building in New York City known as the Bramford. Previous residents have displayed peculiar conduct, and fellow inhabitants of the Bramford start causing unease for the wife, Rosemary. The movie “Rosemary’s Baby” tells the tale of a young woman who unwittingly becomes entangled in the schemes of a satanic cult, while “Apartment 7A” focuses on the backstory of a minor character from that 1968 film who resided in that specific apartment.

“I thought you were Victoria Vetri.”

In the rephrased version, Rosemary Woodhouse encounters Terry Gionoffrio, a former drug addict often mistaken for an actress. Interestingly, Terry is portrayed by the actress mentioned in the scene. Terry extols the virtues of their shared friends, referring to them as “the greatest people on earth, without compare.” She narrates her story of being saved from a life of destitution and substance abuse, considering her benefactors as more like loving grandparents. They even bestowed upon her a talisman for good fortune. However, anyone who has watched Mia Farrow’s iconic cinematic performances would recall the fate of this friend and the true identities of her saviors.

7A Apartment now comes with an enticing trailer, sporting the tagline “Rosemary wasn’t the only one.” We encounter Terry prior to her bond with Rosemary, as well as before she crossed paths with the enigmatic Castevets who took her under their wing. A newcomer in town, eager to dance professionally, she endures a gruesome accident and we witness the initiation of her addiction to drugs, which she eventually overcomes by the time she meets Rosemary. Terry persists through adversity but continues to struggle until guided by individuals associated with the Bramford. The trailer hints at her escalating unease and visions of herself pregnant, while the film poster showcases a stunningly radiant Terry being surveilled by a menacing figure with horns in the backdrop.

"Apartment 7A": A first look at the forerunner to Rosemary's Baby

Also starring

The star of our production is none other than Julia Garner, famous for her roles in Ozark and The Americans. She’s gained recognition with a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy), both earned for her portrayal of Ruth Langmore on Ozark. Her ability to handle the emotional depth required for this project is undoubtedly fitting.

In the role of Minnie Castevet is Dianne Wiest, an actress who has been honored with two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress – one for her performance in 1987’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” and another for 1995’s “Bullets over Broadway”. This is her return to the big screen since the 2020 film “Let Them All Talk”, though she has lent her voice to Iris in “My Father’s Dragon” and portrayed Mariam McLusky on TV’s “Mayor of Kingstown”.

In a different phrasing, let’s say the character Roman’s husband is portrayed by Kevin McNally, who is famously known as Horace in Downton Abbey and the grumpy Mr. Gibbs from the Pirates of the Caribbean series. It seems like the naming of this character could be a tribute to Roman Polanski, the original film director.

In a simpler, more conversational style: James Sturgess, known for his roles in “Across the Universe” and “21”, portrays a theater producer offering Terry a second shot at realizing her long-held dreams.

Interestingly enough, Amy Leeson is credited as Rosemary in the cast. The extent of her involvement in this prequel isn’t fully apparent from the trailer, but the intersection of these narratives promises an exciting watch.

Apartment 7A will arrive on Paramount+ on September 27, 2024.

2024-09-02 04:32

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