A considerable sleeper hit, and a surprisingly (if cheesily)
effective psycho-drama with De Mornay as the nanny from hell
terrorising asthmatic mum Sciorra. It shouldn't work, but it does,
thanks to a villainess on career-best form and Hanson's tautest pre-LA
Confidential direction. Add a waspish Julianne Moore (who dies in the
best Hitchcockian set piece), and it's difficult to resist, though any
attempts at subtext should be viewed strictly as sheepish
afterthoughts.
