A prequel to the iconic horror film Rosemary's Baby may seem like a sacrilegious act, especially considering Roman Polanski's 1968 masterpiece is widely revered by critics and audiences alike. However, Natalie Erika James has defied expectations with Apartment 7A, delivering a horror gem that not only shines on its own but also pays homage to its inspiration.

Apartment 7A takes place months before Rosemary Woodhouse moves into Manhattan's notorious Bramford apartments, focusing on Terry Gionoffrio (played by Julia Garner), a minor character in Rosemary's Baby. While some may argue that the narrative echoes Rosemary's in some ways, the screenplay skillfully interweaves similar beats and familiar figures with distinctive demonic flair and a sharp difference in their heroine's desires.

This thrilling tale of ambition, betrayal, and bodily autonomy is a fantastic follow-up to James' feature directorial debut, Relic. Apartment 7A makes a timely statement all its own, fitting slyly with its source material while delivering a unique and captivating story.

So, how does Apartment 7A fit into Rosemary's Baby? In the original film, Terry Gionoffrio has a single scene with Rosemary, where they bond over laundry in the creepy basement of the Bramford. Friendly Terry shares her story of living with Roman and Minnie Castevet, who took her in off the street. Apartment 7A delves into Terry's backstory, shedding light on her life before her fateful encounter with Rosemary and the events that unfolded between her introduction in Rosemary's Baby and her dramatic departure.

Terry's story is one of a talented dancer on the cusp of stardom, whose career was derailed by an ankle injury that led her to rely on drugs to cope with the pain. Desperate for a change in fortune, Terry is easily swayed by the kindness of the Castevets, who offer her a free room and a private meeting with their theater producer neighbor Alan Marchand. They even provide her with homemade medical poultices from their next-door neighbor Mrs. Gardenia – the same Mrs. Gardenia whose apartment Rosemary and Guy move into at the start of their movie.

While James remains faithful to certain plot points to preserve the classic canon, she introduces some notable deviations. For instance, although Rosemary enters the laundry room in this prequel, the scene from the original is not recreated. Instead, James portrays Terry's dark night with the devil as a stage production, complete with a 2-dimensional stage set, a dashing Marchand leading her in a waltz, and a demon adorned in sparkling sequins crawling upon her supine body.

This terrifying and spectacular fusion of horror and musical theater is a testament to James' passion for the genre. Terry's world is turned upside down when she discovers she's pregnant, and a baby becomes an impediment to her burgeoning career. In an era where abortion is not a legalized healthcare option, Terry is driven to a back-alley abortionist, resulting in a deeply unsettling scene.

Julia Garner shines in Apartment 7A, bringing a unique combination of screen presence and grit to the role of Terry. Watching her clench her jaw and flash a smile to perform for the cold hearts of New York City is electrifyingly captivating. Garner's performance makes her instantly recognizable as a force to be reckoned with, and it's exhilarating to witness her navigate the treacherous labyrinth that is the Bramford.

With Apartment 7A, Natalie Erika James leverages her gift of emotional intelligence and skill for crafting unsettling scenes to tell a story that's both familiar and all the more frightening for it. We know where Terry's story will end because of Rosemary's Baby, yet James keeps us on the edge of our seats as she masterfully spins a web of rich drama and sly horror.

Get ready to experience the thrill of Apartment 7A, arriving on-demand and Paramount+ on September 27. For more on the latest horror movies and entertainment news, visit https://carsnewstoday.com/entertainment/julia-garner-shines-in-apartment-7a-a-timely-terrifying-rosemarys-baby-prequel-you-wont-want-to-miss/.