Michelle Garza Cervera’s New Thriller on Hulu
Filmmaker Michelle Garza Cervera, director of the acclaimed body-horror Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022), is back with The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, now streaming on Hulu. Starring horror favorites Maika Monroe (It Follows) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (10 Cloverfield Lane), this reimagining of the 1992 thriller delivers a fresh, feminist take on psychological suspense.
In a Reddit AMA, Garza Cervera shared insights into her creative process, genre shifts, and collaboration with Monroe and Winstead.
From Huesera to The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Garza Cervera’s Huesera premiered at Tribeca to critical praise for its chilling exploration of motherhood and identity. Now, she pivots to psychological horror with The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, maintaining her signature intensity while delving into themes of trust and domestic dread.
“Horror is a tool to examine real fears,” she said. “Whether through body horror or psychological tension, both films tackle women battling oppressive forces—just in different ways.”
A Feminist Update to a Classic Thriller
The 1992 original followed a sinister nanny, but Garza Cervera’s version deepens the feminist subtext, questioning societal pressures on mothers.
“I wanted to explore how women are pitted against each other,” she explained. “Maika and Mary Elizabeth’s performances blur the lines between victim and villain brilliantly.”
Why Horror Resonates
Garza Cervera champions horror as a platform for marginalized voices:
“It’s where repressed stories surface—queer narratives, political allegories, female rage. My goal is horror that sparks dialogue long after the scares fade.”
What’s Next for the Director?
While staying vague, she teased future projects: “I’m drawn to stories that defy norms—folklore, psychological terror, or the unexpected.”
Where to Watch
Stream The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Hulu, and catch Huesera: The Bone Woman on [platform if applicable].
