Pregnancies Propel Psychological Horror

Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Baby Snatcher
TV-14 –

Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Andrew Lawrence
Writer(s): Anna Damergis, Andrew Lawrence, Donna Lawrence, Tim Schaaf
Cast: Jennifer Taylor, Adrienne Thomas, Paul London, Matthew Lawrence, Donna Lawrence, Anna Damergis, Sheila Budin
Where To Watch: arrives on UK Digital on September 9, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the shadowy confines of suburbia, THE BABY SNATCHER presents a gripping narrative that takes maternal instincts on a sinister detour through obsession and backstabbing. Directed by Andrew Lawrence, this film crafts a compelling look into the unraveling lives of Penelope and Eve, played by Adrienne Thomas and Jennifer Taylor, respectively. Their journey from pregnancy to a nightmarish clash soaked in jealousy promises a rollercoaster of emotions.

From the opening shot, THE BABY SNATCHER sets a dramatic tone: a child impassively observes as flames devour their home. This powerful image foretells the disintegration of an unshakeable friendship between Penelope and Eve as they transition from sharing the joy of impending motherhood to facing stark, unsettling realities. The plot thickens when Eve, devastated by a miscarriage, descends into a spiral of revenge and obsession, showcasing the film's flair for exploring dark psychological landscapes.

The heart of the film lies in Eve’s descent from grief to hostility, as she lets her inner turmoil manifest into violent actions that threaten everyone around her. Contrasting sharply with this dark evolution is the life of Penelope and her husband, Richie, portrayed by Matthew Lawrence. Their hopeful anticipation of new life opposes the chaos unraveling in Eve's world, highlighted further by the personal and professional decay of Eve's husband, Tom, played by Paul London.

Yet, THE BABY SNATCHER has its many narrative challenges. The film struggled to maintain its rhythm, with flashbacks that sometimes serve more as interruptions than enhancements to the story, leading to a viewing experience that can feel disjointed. Moreover, the script misses opportunities to delve deeper into the fraught dynamics between Penelope and Eve, occasionally glossing over the nuances of their deteriorating friendship, which could have added more decadent layers to the emotional landscape.

Despite these storytelling missteps, the film delivers a very Hallmarkesque drama that those who enjoy this type of film will love. The climactic scene, where Penelope wields a glitter cannon in defense against Eve, although bordering on incredulous, injects an unforgettable flair into the narrative. Such moments underscore the film’s commitment to providing entertainment that is as thought-provoking as it is dramatic. If you are a fan of this style of film, it’s hard to knock this one; many intriguing choices help amplify the made-for-TV drama in every scene. The film leans into its audience's expectations with the intense melodramatic acting.

THE BABY SNATCHER navigates through its ambitious exploration of intense themes with a commendable dose of creativity and psychological insight. While it may wobble at times under the weight of its aspirations, it remains a genre-specific piece that captures the complexities of human emotions and the complex journeys they can provoke. This film is a must-watch for those intrigued by the darker sides of human relationships and the profound impacts of grief turned malevolent.

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[photo courtesy of SCATENA & ROSNER FILMS]

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