The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A suburban family chooses seemingly sweet Peyton Flanders as their newborn's nanny. Only much later does the infant's mother, Claire Bartel, realize Peyton's true intentions -- to destroy Claire and replace her in the family. The nail-biting suspense builds quickly in this chilling psychological thriller about deception and bitter revenge.
Rated R • 1992 • 1h 50m
Overall: A woman whose husband committed suicide after a malpractice accusation infiltrates the accuser's family as a nanny — to destroy them from within. Annabella Sciorra and Rebecca De Mornay. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and the film's sustained menace.
Cast
Is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle appropriate for kids?
Overall: A woman whose husband committed suicide after a malpractice accusation infiltrates the accuser's family as a nanny — to destroy them from within. Annabella Sciorra and Rebecca De Mornay. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and the film's sustained menace. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
What happens in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
A nurse breastfeeding the family's infant — disturbing in context.
Violence and gore in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
A man killed. Violence escalating as the nanny's campaign intensifies. Consistent with R.
Language in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
None.
Mature themes in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
A thriller about the vulnerability of trusting someone into your home and family. Rebecca De Mornay's Mrs. Mott is one of cinema's great patient villains. The film exploits 1990s anxieties about childcare with considerable skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. Overall: A woman whose husband committed suicide after a malpractice accusation infiltrates the accuser's family as a nanny — to destroy them from within. Annabella Sciorra and Rebecca De Mornay. The R rating covers…
What age rating does The Hand That Rocks the Cradle have?
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle about?
Overall: A woman whose husband committed suicide after a malpractice accusation infiltrates the accuser's family as a nanny — to destroy them from within. Annabella Sciorra and Rebecca De Mornay. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and the film's sustained menace.
Is there sex or nudity in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?
A nurse breastfeeding the family's infant — disturbing in context.
How violent is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?
A man killed. Violence escalating as the nanny's campaign intensifies. Consistent with R.
Is the language in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle appropriate for kids?
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?
None.
What mature themes appear in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?
A thriller about the vulnerability of trusting someone into your home and family. Rebecca De Mornay's Mrs. Mott is one of cinema's great patient villains. The film exploits 1990s anxieties about childcare with considerable skill.
How long is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle runs 110 minutes, directed by Curtis Hanson, released in 1992.
Where can I read the full The Hand That Rocks the Cradle parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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