Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe) and Caitlin Morales (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) stand beside a cradle.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle: A Chilling Reimagining Of The Classic

by Explore Disney+ Contributor

Revised: October 22, 2025

A suspenseful and seductive take on the psychological thriller about a nanny who's not what she seems

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle blends psychological suspense with domestic drama in a modern twist on the classic movie. Find out more about the movie’s plot, creators, and cast.

Add The Hand That Rocks the Cradle to Watchlist (login required) or learn more on Hulu.com

What is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle about?

Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe) looks on as a baby sleeps in a cradle.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, 20th Century Studios, Hulu

When Caitlin and Miguel Morales invite Polly Murphy to be their family’s new nanny, it seems as if all their problems are solved. But Polly’s gentle exterior hides a darker agenda, one that slowly unravels trust and stirs unease within their household. As tensions escalate, Caitlin begins to suspect that she invited the wrong person into her home — and her life.

Where can I watch The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?

The movie is streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers alongside more movies like survival thriller Send Help and R-rated comedy Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice.*

Who is behind The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?

Michelle Garza Cervera directs the movie from 20th Century Studios. The movie is written by Micah Bloomberg and based on a screenplay by Amanda Silver. The producers are Michael Schaefer, Mike LaRocca, and Ted Field, and the executive producers are Michael Napoliello, Maria Frisk, and Seth William Meier.

Who is in the cast of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?

Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe) and Caitlin Morales (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) talk in a kitchen.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, 20th Century Studios, Hulu

Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Star Wars: Ahsoka) stars as Caitlin Morales, an upscale suburban mom who brings a new nanny, Polly Murphy, played by Maika Monroe (Longlegs, Hulu), into her home, only to discover she is not the person she claims to be. The movie also stars Raúl Castillo, Martin Starr, Mileiah Vega, Riki Lindhome, and Shannon Cochran.

Add The Hand That Rocks the Cradle to Watchlist (login required) or learn more on Hulu.com

*Available for U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data required to watch certain content. Select Hulu content available via Disney+; additional content only available via Hulu app. Offer valid for eligible subscribers only. Subject to Disney+ and ESPN Subscriber Agreement. Additional terms, app feature and device restrictions apply. For more information visit the Disney+ Help Center. © 2026 Disney and its related entities.

Discover More