Zulfmanauthor

It's sad how little people understand about the marvel of creativity. I blame this on the fact that many people no longer like to read books therefore they lack understanding of what cinema really is.

I'm astonished how many negative reviews 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' is getting! At the time of writing, this adaptation of the iconic 90s classic of the same name, is only a few days into its release. I agree everyone has an opinion, but it should be an informed one. I loved the 90s classic revenge thriller, with Rebecca De Mornay giving a performance for the ages. So when I heard one of the most talented actresses of our time, 'Maika Monroe' is in the remake alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, I was really excited. For me, the only disappointment was this film would not get a cinema release. However, I really wanted to see how Maika Monroe would do as the 'vengeful nanny' compared to De Mornay's portrayal. Maika Monroe was undoubtedly a perfect casting choice. I think she's the 'Jodie Foster' of Hollywood today. Anyway, even before I subscribed to Hulu in order to stream the film upon release, I read how the director reimagined the story, Michelle Cervera spoke about how she included more depth to the characters and included a comprehensive backstory. This meant this film was an adaptation not a remake. So all these people who were hoping to find a scene by scene rehash of the 90s iconic thriller were understandably disappointed. What I don't understand is if they were so desperate to watch the 90s version, then why not stream it on the numerous sites that have the film? Why bother with this new version? Getting back to this 2025 adaptation, despite my high expectations, it did not disappoint. Maika Monroe was brilliant as she always is. Her portrayal of 'Polly Murphy's' character was menacing and sullen, yet she was also surprisingly innocent. Similar to Rebecca De Mornay, Maika Monroe could flip the switch in an instant. Mary Elizabeth Winstead's character of 'Caitlin Morales' is completely different to the one brilliantly played by Annabella Sciorra in the 1992 version. Caitlin is a professional working lady who harbours her own demons. The film itself is not as subtle as its predecessor, it's darker, tense, and even more unsettling. Michelle Cervera has reimagined the story and brought it to life for a new age of cinema. This is why it bears almost no resemblance to the 90s' classic. This 2025 version is a standalone film that deals with more contemporary themes, and each actor brings their own take to their respective role. Obviously, it is inspired by the 90's version but it's also similar to 'Inconceivable', which starred Nicolas Cage and Gina Gershon. Anyway, I loved 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle; 2025' for different reasons to why I loved the 90s thriller. I think we should stop comparing different eras and stop putting things down that we have today. Yes, I am old school and I do romanticize about the classics, whether it's films; or boxers; or music. But at the same time, I am willing to give the artists and the work we see today, their props. If we keep looking back, we'll miss what we have today! So ignore the haters, give 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, 2025', a chance!.

@zulfmanauthor.

'Atonement' is one of those films, which leaves you in complete awe of what you have witnessed as soon as you have finished it.

It is based on Ian McEwan's novel, which tells the story of how tragedy inflicts the lives of three people as a result of a child's vindicative lie. This film is powerful and heart breaking, which is also beautifully written and has a stellar cast. I must admit, I haven't seen that much of Kiera Knightley but she looked stunning in the film, and James Mcavoy was as always on top form. However the film is largely based around 'Briony Tallis', and the young Briony is superbly played by Saoirse Ronan. She was brilliant as the confused and jealous teenager who inadvertently changes the lives of those closest to her. The film feels like a journey from reckless youth to reflective old age where nothing remains except regrets. The film has many iconic scenes, which have been taken from McEwan's highly rated novel that I ordered as soon as I finished the film. The cinematography in the early part of the film is breath-taking before it moves to the bleak setting of World War II. So convincing is the film's depiction of battle that many consider this a war film more than a love story. However, 'Atonement' cannot be labelled within a single genre, it's too complex for that. This film serves as a life lesson that some mistakes are so grave, they are unforgivable even if a lifetime is spent atoning for them. Here lies the tragedy of this story. 'Atonement' is classic cinema at its best! I now look forward to reading the novel.

@zulfmanauthor.