Another world premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest is Apartment 7A. This prequel to horror classic Rosemary’s Baby was written by Christian White (Relic, Clickbait), Skylar James, and Natalie Erika James (Relic), with James having also directed the film. Fans of Rosemary’s Baby might recall the character Terry Gionoffrio, the woman Rosemary met in the basement laundry room of The Bramford apartment building. From that brief conversation the two have, audiences know the Castevets cared for Terry, and Terry was likely the intended carrier of Satan’s spawn before the Castevets ultimately turned their sights to Rosemary. Apartment 7A tells Terry’s story as a struggling Broadway dancer. When she meets the Castevets, who seem to have the ability to make all her dreams come true, Terry is caught in their sinister web of deceit and manipulation.

Making a prequel to a horror film as beloved as Rosemary’s Baby is no simple feat. With Apartment 7A, the filmmakers clearly wanted to strike a balance between highlighting elements fans would recognize, while also creating an original story. After an unfortunate injury, Terry finds herself struggling to find work and drowning in debt. Desperate and with few options, the Castevets come into her life offering a rent-free apartment in one of the most sought-after buildings, even offering to help with her career. The couple sets Terry up with a big Broadway producer who also lives in the building, under the pretense of drinks to discuss a job, but these people have other plans for the would-be dancer. While audiences likely remember how Terry’s story ends, the journey is still quite compelling.

As a Rosemary’s Baby prequel, it does a great job of incorporating the lore and imagery fans would expect. At times, this rehashing of the lore may seem somewhat monotonous and feel more like a remake than a prequel, but the filmmakers manage to find ways to make it unique. What makes it stand apart is Terry’s journey. Her situation seems far more dire, making her more ensnared in the Satanic scheme with no means of escape. Even more interesting is how, even if the Satanic elements were entirely removed from the story, it would still be a great thriller. Terry’s story is the horror of being a woman; the involvement of the devil just makes it all the more horrifying. It all culminates in a final scene that is as beautiful and powerful as it is tragic.

Apartment 7A features a star-studded cast. Julia Garner (Ozark, The Assistant) stars as Terry. Garner easily slips into the role of the young performer, not only playing the eager people-pleaser, but also delivering the physical performance needed to be a dancer. Yet, it’s when Terry is at her most desperate and determined that Garner truly shines. Her final scene is one that is sure to stick with audiences long after the credits role. Dianne Wiest (Edward Scissorhands, Parenthood) plays Minnie Castevet, formerly played by Ruth Gordon. While physically Wiest does not look like Gordon, she does a phenomenal job of embodying the spirit of the character, as well as delivering the same voice. Minnie is the kind of person who has an overly-friendly outward persona, but Wiest makes it known there is a wolf hiding in that sheep’s clothing. Other great performances come from Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean), Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe), and Marli Siu (Anna and the Apocolypse).

Another standout aspect of Apartment 7A is the visuals. When it comes to the production design, it’s clear great care was taken to recreate The Bramford and the apartments within. Audiences even get to see other parts of the building not previously seen in Rosemary’s Baby. Both the sets and the costume designs are stunning to behold, transporting audiences back to the 1960’s. A striking and memorable scene involves a sort of dream sequence. Much like the one in Rosemary’s Baby, this scene is when the Devil takes Terry. What makes the scene stand out is how the dream sequence is very specific to Terry, incorporating imagery tailored to her passion and personality, leading to an iconic and unexpected look for Satan. Finally, this film wouldn’t work without the fantastic choreography. Whether in the broadway performances or in Terry’s dreams, the dancing is immaculate and elevates all the most memorable scenes of the film to new heights.

Apartment 7A is a worthy prequel to a 1960’s classic, hitting nostalgic Satanic notes while also telling a new story about the horrors of being a woman. The filmmakers passion for the story is apparent as they bring in new elements, even if at times it can feel like watching the same story audiences already know and love. Garner and Wiest’s performances are what really sell the film, giving powerhouse performances in their roles. With stunning imagery and spectacular dancing, there is plenty to set this film apart not only from Rosemary’s Baby, but also from the two other Satanic pregnancy films (The First Omen and Immaculate) to come out earlier this year. Apartment 7A will be available to stream on September 27th, exclusively on Paramount+.

OVERALL RATING: 7.5/10