Mary Elizabeth Winstead Embraces ‘Maternal Anxieties’ in Latest Horror Film Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars with Maika Monroe in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, a remake of the 1992 thriller about a nanny terrorizing a family. Winstead shares her experience making the movie and how she drew inspiration from her own life as a mother. “Mining that part of maternal horror is endlessly fascinating, and something that I can really tap into,” says the actress.
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In the new iteration of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Winstead portrays a mother faced with the fear of harm coming to her children. Drawing from her real-life role as a mom to a 4-year-old, she delved into her maternal anxieties and fears to bring authenticity to her character. The idea of someone untrustworthy being in charge of her child resonated deeply with Winstead, who lives in Scotland with her husband, Ewan McGregor. “You just fear literally anything bad happening to your child, anything negative,” she explains.
The film, available on Hulu since October 22, stars Maika Monroe as a nanny who infiltrates Winstead’s character’s family, leading to escalating tensions. Winstead found exploring the relationship dynamics between the characters intriguing, as intimacy evolves into a darker and more terrifying territory throughout the movie. The actress appreciated the dual nature of the film, offering both deeper themes to explore and entertaining popcorn-movie elements.
Having a background in horror projects like Final Destination 3 and 10 Cloverfield Lane, Winstead finds comfort in the genre’s ability to address anxieties collectively shared by audiences. She reflects on the cathartic process of engaging with horror as a creator and viewer, suggesting that it offers a way to work through inner fears and uncertainties.
Beyond her on-screen challenges, Winstead embraced the routine of returning home to her family after intense filming days. Playing with her son Laurie post-work helped her transition from the heavy themes of the movie to the light-hearted moments of family life. She describes the immersive nature of parenting post-shoot, where every activity with her child becomes an opportunity for creative play and connection.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle serves as a platform for Winstead to delve into the complexities of motherhood and the protective instincts it evokes. By tapping into her ‘maternal anxieties,’ she delivers a performance that reflects the universal fears and concerns of parents worldwide. As Winstead continues to navigate her dual roles as a mother and an actress, she finds solace in the opportunity to explore these challenging themes on screen.