In the ever-evolving realm of social media, where viral sensations rule supreme, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged. As individuals strive to partake in the latest online trends, they have embarked on a curious expedition through time, resurrecting forgotten treasures and breathing new life into their faded glory. And now, the iconic gothic horror film, “Rosemary’s Baby,” directed by Roman Polanski, finds itself in the midst of a resounding resurgence, courtesy of the online activities on platforms such as TikTok. However, what sets this revival apart is the undeniable truth that today’s youth is confronted with an unsettling realization—they cannot fathom the sheer horror encapsulated within this cinematic masterpiece.
Despite the tarnished reputation of its director, Roman Polanski, owing to his sexual misconduct, “Rosemary’s Baby,” a cult classic birthed in 1968, defiantly reigns supreme among Forbes’ esteemed list of the greatest classic horror films of all time. Ranking a formidable second, it finds itself surpassed only by the unparalleled brilliance of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, “Psycho.”
Within the eerie narrative of “Rosemary’s Baby,” the talented Mia Farrow flawlessly portrays the hapless Rosemary Woodhouse. Entrapped in a nightmarish ordeal, Rosemary becomes an unwilling vessel, coerced to carry the spawn of Satan himself. Drugged, abused, and tormented by a malevolent Satanic cult, her newborn child is coveted as an object of perverse worship—a blasphemous antithesis to all that is divine.
Now, as the haunting echoes of “Rosemary’s Baby” reverberate across social media, thanks to the viral propagation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, an entirely new generation of viewers bears witness to its bone-chilling tale. Yet, they readily admit to their own limitations, their nerves and stomachs faltering, incapable of enduring the film’s chilling entirety.
Taking to Twitter, users sought solace in sharing their raw reactions to this cinematic gem, and a resounding consensus emerged—today’s youth, in all their vulnerability, cannot match the ironclad resolve of their predecessors.
One Twitter user whispered, “Even to this day, I dare not watch ‘Rosemary’s Baby.’ It unsettles me to the core.”
Another young soul disclosed, “There’s something profoundly disturbing about ‘Rosemary’s Baby,’ even more so now.”
Meanwhile, a courageous individual pondered, “Yes, ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ remains a deeply disturbing film. Upon revisiting it, one can discern how Ari Aster drew inspiration from it for ‘Hereditary.’ Perhaps it’s the overarching theme of Satanic elements that send shivers down my spine.”
Indeed, as “Rosemary’s Baby” resurfaces in the realm of social media, it finds a disconcerting parallel to the current state of affairs in American history. A climate where women’s reproductive rights are impeded, mirroring the plight of the film’s protagonist. Denied their right to choose, women in certain states confront the agonizing reality of forced pregnancies—a poignant connection that strikes a nerve with an entirely new generation of viewers.
With Mia Farrow’s brilliant portrayal, capturing the harrowing journey of a woman ensnared in the clutches of an unwanted pregnancy, “Rosemary’s Baby” resonates deeply. Onscreen, her character endures manipulation and abuse at the hands of her husband, Guy, portrayed flawlessly by John Cassavetes. Yet, the torment extends beyond her connubial bond, as the sinister Satanic cult relentlessly torments Rosemary throughout the haunting narrative.
As legions of women, confined by draconian laws rendering abortion illegal, find themselves thrust into the heart-wrenching reality of undesired motherhood, “Rosemary’s Baby” assumes newfound significance. Its resonating impact echoes through the souls of a generation, rendering this classic horror film a powerful symbol of a society grappling with issues of control over women’s bodies.
