Apartment 7A

Apartment 7A is an American psychological horror film set to be released on 27 September 2024. Directed by Natalie Erika James, the film features a screenplay she co-wrote with Christian White and Skylar James. It acts as a prequel to the classic 1968 horror film Rosemary's Baby, itself based on the novel by Ira Levin.

The film stars Julia Garner as Terry Gionoffrio, a dancer who faces a career setback after injuring her ankle during a performance. Other notable cast members include Dianne Wiest, Jim Sturgess, and Kevin McNally.

The film follows Terry, who suffers a significant ankle injury during a Broadway performance. Known as "the girl who fell," she struggles to find dancing roles until she meets two elderly residents of the Bramford apartment building, Minnie and Roman Castevet. They offer her a rent-free apartment. While unpacking, Terry discovers a ballet slipper labeled with the name Joan Cebulski, hinting at a dark past.

Terry's journey takes a dark turn as she attends a cocktail party hosted by the Castevets, where she finds herself alone and disoriented after drinking. This sets off a series of disturbing dreams and revelations. She soon learns that she is pregnant and grapples with the Castevets' unsettling influence over her life. They want her to give up the baby, insisting she concentrate on her career instead.

As the plot unfolds, Terry faces increasing danger. A neighbor named Lily attacks her and later ends up in a coma. Terry discovers a hidden passage into Lily's apartment, where she finds a mysterious grimoire that reveals horrifying imagery related to her situation. As she experiences intense pain and turmoil, her connection to the supernatural deepens.

The film builds to a climax when Terry discovers a secret temple in the basement of the Bramford. In a moment of desperation, she confronts the malevolent forces surrounding her, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion that ties back to the history of the Bramford building.

Apartment 7A had its premiere at Fantastic Fest on 20 September 2024 and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ and for digital rent on the same day, 27 September 2024.

The film's reception has been mixed, with critics noting its strong performances and stylish direction but also pointing out its predictable elements, especially when compared to its predecessor, Rosemary's Baby.

This film marks an ambitious project for the creators, attempting to blend horror with a complex narrative that explores themes of ambition, motherhood, and manipulation in a supernatural context. It is highly anticipated by fans of the genre and those familiar with the original film.