When the Bough Breaks

When the Bough Breaks is a suspenseful drama from 2016 that explores the dark underbelly of surrogate pregnancy, in a film packed with heart-stopping twists and intense performances from a robust cast headlined by Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, and Romany Malco. Directed by Jon Cassar under the hand of Screen Gems production, this film elegantly blends elements of suspense, love, betrayal, and raw human instinct, focusing on the fine line between having it all and losing everything.

At its heart, this is a story of John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall), a young, successful, and deeply in love couple who seem to have it all. High-powered professionals living in a magnificent New Orleans mansion, their perfect lives are only marred by their struggles to conceive a child. After several failed attempts, they decide to hire a surrogate, anticipating that this step would finally fill the missing piece in their lives.

The couple's search for a suitable surrogate ends when they cross paths with the beautiful, charming, and apparently selfless young woman, Anna (Jaz Sinclair). Anna seems to be a godsend for the Taylors, a ray of hope in their dire situation. As their relationship with Anna deepens, the Taylors go from viewing her as a mere surrogate to almost a member of their family.

However, the movie's suspense builds up when innocent Anna morphs into a serious threat, gradually revealing a darker side of her personality the Taylors hadn't anticipated. Their dream of finally becoming parents turns into a nerve-wracking living nightmare as Anna's actions start threatening their lives and everything they hold dear. As the story progresses, tension mounts, and the lines between victim and villain blur, leading to an unsettling climax.

Morris Chestnut delivers a passionate, nuanced performance as John Taylor. As the proud, dedicated husband and aspiring father, his character is put to the test as he encounters a threat in the most unlikely place. Chestnut ingeniously portrays a man forced to defend his marriage and future family, resulting in a performance that anchors the film and draws audiences into the unfolding drama.

Regina Hall, as Laura Taylor, brilliantly performs the role of a hopeful mother-to-be. Her nuanced portrayal captures the thrill and anticipation of impending motherhood, as well as the eventual terror she faces due to the circumstances. Her raw emotions and determination make her a relatable character the audience roots for amid the chaos.

In contrast, Jaz Sinclair, as Anna, delivers a chilling portrayal of a seemingly innocent woman whose intentions and sanity progressively become questionable. Her performance successfully generates suspense, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning her every move.

Romany Malco, in a supporting role, ably adds to the vibrant dynamics of the film. His character provides additional depth to the unfolding narrative and strengthens the movie's overall plotline.

When the Bough Breaks is a film that strongly revolves around its character's relationships and decisions. It plays with the fear of the unknown, and the paranoia produced by having one's life turned upside down by a threat that is already too entwined in one's life to easily extricate. Director Jon Cassar adeptly uses these elements, along with subtle hints and filled pauses, to maintain a tense atmosphere throughout the movie.

This film is more than just a thriller; it skilfully touches upon issues like desperation for parenthood, the complexity of surrogate pregnancy, and the adverse impacts of obsessive love. Its psychological elements, combined with the gripping plot, pull the audience into a state of constant anxiety, as each character's intentions remain a mystery until the very end.

Overall, When the Bough Breaks is an engrossing film for audiences who enjoy suspense-filled thrillers. Its combination of a compelling plot, complex characters, and intense performances creates a captivating cinematic experience. This film not only entertains but also leaves viewers pondering the lengths they might go when faced with desperate circumstances in their own lives.