When The Bough Breaks: A Gripping Tale of Deception & Obsession

Starring: Academy Award-winner Dakota Fanning as Paula

Directed by: When They Come for You's veteran filmmaker Jeffery Nachberg

In this tense psychological thriller, a seemingly idyllic suburban setting masks the dark underbelly of obsession and deception. When The Bough Breakes skillfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.

At its core lies the story of young couple Rachel (Rebecca Hall) and Matthew Taylor (played with brooding intensity by Liev Schreiber), who yearn for a child more than anything else in life. Desperate yet unable to conceive, they turn to surrogacy as their last resort – an option that ultimately leads them down a path of unspeakable heartache.

Enter Paula (Dakota Fanning delivering one of her most chilling performances on screen), the beautiful and seemingly perfect young woman handpicked from countless applicants to carry their precious baby. Initially warm, friendly, and nurturing towards Rachel during pregnancy's early stages, however, soon begins to reveal a darker side – an obsessive fixation that borders on full-blown psychosis.

As Paula becomes increasingly possessive of Matthew both physically and emotionally, it becomes clear she will stop at nothing – including murder – to keep him hers forevermore. As tensions mount within this fragile triangle of love turned toxic hatred, only one question remains: how far gone is Paula willing go when her world begins crumbling around her?

With outstanding performances across the board from its talented cast, particularly a career-defining turn by Dakota Fanning as the unhinged titular character, When The Bough Breaks proves itself an unmissable thrill ride not to be missed this season. So grab some popcorn, settle in tight – because once you see what happens when love turns deadly... there's no turning back.

Rating: 4/5 stars

When The Bough Breaks is now available on Amazon Prime Video and select digital platforms nationwide.

When the bough breaks movie reviews