What happened before the Woodhouse’s moved into the notorious Bramford building in 1965 New York City? That’s the frightful tale unfurled in Apartment 7A, a Rosemary’s Baby prequel that follows desperate dancer Terry Gionoffrio, played by Julia Garner.
The trailer for the latest film from Relic co-writer/director Natalie Erika James teases familiar (and freaky) characters, like the nosy Minnie (Dianne Weist) and her eccentric husband Roman Castevet (Kevin McNally). But this clip from the film reveals that Terry’s troubles extend beyond the strange residents of the posh apartment building just off Central Park.
In this clip, titled “Show Me,” Terry is auditioning for a new musical. But an infamous injury to her ankle has made it difficult to get work. Here, she is tormented by a trio of producers and casting directors, who ask her to show them the move that derailed her career. Worse, they ask her to do it again, and again, and again. Each time, the callousness of the demand hits harder.
Beneath Garner’s smooth physicality and shining smile, there’s a wince of pain. And here, James begins to turn the screw, revealing how the cruel world of show business could push a young dreamer to do anything to make it.
Apartment 7A comes to on-demand and Paramount+ on Sept. 27.