The Nanny
The Nanny

Movie spotlight

The Nanny

1965
Movie
91 min
English

Nanny, a London family's live-in maid, brings morbid 10-year-old Joey back from the psychiatric ward he's been in for two years, since the death of his younger sister. Joey refuses to eat any food Nanny's prepared or take a bath with her in the room. He also demands to sleep in a room with a lock. Joey's parents -- workaholic Bill and neurotic Virgie -- are sure Joey is disturbed, but he may have good reason to be terrified of Nanny.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Sven MethlingGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young woman takes a job as a nanny in a wealthy family's isolated country estate. As she becomes entangled in the complex dynamics and secrets of the household, she grapples with her own desires and the constraints of her position. The narrative explores themes of social class, unspoken desires, and the search for belonging within a seemingly perfect facade.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed upon its release, 'The Nanny' was praised for its sensitive portrayal of female desire and its nuanced exploration of societal pressures. While its slow-burn pacing and thematic depth were appreciated by many critics, some found it to be overly melancholic. Audiences connected with the film's emotional resonance and its compelling lead performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric tension and subtle character development.

  • Lauded for Harriet Andersson's nuanced and powerful performance.

  • Noted for its exploration of repressed desires within a rigid social structure.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's emotional impact and the compelling nature of its central character's journey. Many appreciate the subtle storytelling and the film's ability to evoke a sense of melancholy and longing.

Fun Fact

The film's isolated setting was chosen to enhance the sense of claustrophobia and psychological tension experienced by the protagonist.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

The Nanny of the Fane household holds sway. The Nanny is directed by Seth Holt and adapted to screenplay by Jimmy Sangster from the novel of the same name written by Evelyn Piper (AKA: Merriam Modell). It stars Bette Davis, Wendy Craig, ...