New take on twisted ’90s thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle’ stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe – ABC7 Los Angeles

Film Industry Report: “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” Remake and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A modern remake of the 1992 thriller, “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,” has been released, offering a contemporary perspective on the original narrative. According to filmmaker Michelle Garza Cervera and cast members Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe, the new version is a “very different film” designed to stand on its own with a modern identity. This report analyzes the film’s production and thematic potential through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on gender equality, decent work, and social justice.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality

Female Leadership and Representation

The project demonstrates a commitment to advancing SDG 5 by promoting women in key creative and leadership roles within the film industry.

• The film is directed by a woman, Michelle Garza Cervera, providing a significant leadership opportunity.
• The central narrative is driven by two female leads, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe.
• This level of representation contributes to achieving full and effective participation for women in cultural and public life.

Thematic Exploration of Women’s Roles

The film’s plot, centered on a mother in need of a nanny, directly engages with themes relevant to SDG 5 targets concerning unpaid care and domestic work.

• It provides a platform to explore contemporary issues related to motherhood, childcare responsibilities, and the professional lives of women.
• The narrative inherently examines the societal value placed on caregiving and domestic labor, roles predominantly filled by women.

Economic and Social Impact through SDGs 8 and 10

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The production and distribution of the film contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth by creating employment and engaging with the digital economy.

1. The project generates employment for a wide range of industry professionals, including actors, directors, and production crew, fostering productive employment.
2. The narrative’s focus on the nanny profession can stimulate dialogue regarding labor rights and the importance of decent work for all, particularly within the domestic work sector.
3. Its release on the Hulu streaming platform supports the growing digital economy, a key driver of modern economic activity.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The modern adaptation presents an opportunity to address and explore societal inequalities, a core objective of SDG 10.

1. By creating what the cast calls a “current, modern” version, the film can reflect contemporary social structures and power dynamics.
2. The relationship between the mother (employer) and the nanny (employee) can serve as a narrative tool to examine inequalities based on economic class and social status.
3. The remake has the potential to challenge and update character archetypes, promoting more inclusive and nuanced storytelling that reduces harmful stereotypes.

Narrative Contributions to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Exploring Themes of Safety and Justice

As a thriller, the film’s narrative inherently engages with concepts of personal security and justice, which are central to the aims of SDG 16.

• The genre directly examines threats to personal safety and the psychological impact of fear and violence, highlighting the importance of peaceful and secure living environments.
• The plot, which involves a violation of trust within the sanctity of the home, underscores the fundamental need for personal security.
• While fictional, the story encourages audience reflection on themes of justice, accountability, and the consequences of actions that undermine social trust.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Addressed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Based on the provided text, there are no Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article.
• Explanation: The article is a report on the release of a new movie, a remake of “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.” The content focuses exclusively on the film’s plot, cast, director, and its modern take on the original thriller. It does not discuss any topics related to poverty, health, education, gender equality, climate action, economic growth, or any other area covered by the 17 SDGs.

2. Specific SDG Targets

• No specific SDG targets can be identified from the article’s content.
• Explanation: Since no overarching SDGs are mentioned or alluded to in the text, it is not possible to identify any of the 169 specific targets associated with them. The article’s narrative is confined to the entertainment industry and does not provide data or context related to sustainable development objectives.

3. Indicators for Measuring Progress

• There are no indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards any SDG targets.
• Explanation: The article does not contain any quantitative or qualitative data that could serve as an indicator for measuring progress on sustainable development. The text is descriptive and promotional, focusing on the movie’s theme and production, rather than on metrics related to social, economic, or environmental well-being.

Summary Table of Findings

Source: abc7.com