The Nanny (1965)

* spoilers *

Nanny has always taken care of Virginia Fane and by extension her children. She takes more care of emotional Virginia now since her daughter Susie died two years ago by the hand of her older son Joey, who was sent away afterward. He's finally coming home and Virginia is a nervous wreck while Nanny, as always, calmly does what needs to be done. Joey is convinced that Nanny will kill him, won't eat any food she cooks, and plays cruel pranks on her and whoever else happens to cross his path. Is Nanny really homicidal or is Joey just a disturbed boy?

I expected an adult version of The Bad Seed when I saw this, but it turned out to be much more nuanced and emotional. From the beginning of the film, Nanny charms with her calm, serene, and respectful demeanor. She takes care of everyone and anticipates their needs, putting her charges above herself. On the other hand, Joey, although he's around eight years old, is insufferable and cruel. He wants to prove his independence, but ends up creating more messes for Nanny to clean up. His other antics include unsuccessfully dropping flower pots on a milkman's head and screaming at Nanny for no real reason. The one time he really get her with a prank is when he leaves a doll in a full bathtub.

This film is inflammatory for the time in a few ways. First, the Nanny isn't a cold blooded killer. Her mind simply couldn't handle it after she accidentally drowned Susy, her beloved charge, right after she found out her own neglected daughter died in a back alley abortion. Her awareness shifted between seeing the dead child floating face down and seeing a cheerful, living child bathing. Dead children in film is still incredibly taboo, so I was surprised to see that there is an extended, horrific scene of the drowned child. I was also surprised that Nanny's portrayal is quite nuanced and emotional. I felt so sorry for her that both of her children were taken from her in tragic ways after putting herself second for so long. After she realizes her evil deeds, she saves Joey and seems to turn herself in.

The Nanny is a sad film for a thriller that has nuanced characters (except for hysterical and childlike Virginia unfortunately) and a much more complex plot than I expected. The only frustrating part of the movie is that Joey, hellion child, is never punished for any of his wrongdoings. He's more annoying and malicious than the kid in The Babadook and he's proven to be right. Ugh. Joey will probably harp on that I told you so for the rest of time. Other than that, The Nanny is a surprisingly good movie with strong performances.

My rating: 4/5 fishmuffins