Audrey Rose (1977)

*Audrey Rose* (1977) delves into the unsettling premise that a man is convinced a young girl is the reincarnation of his own daughter Audrey Rose, who died in a fiery car accident, along with his wife, two minutes before the girl was born. This conviction leads to a deeply disturbing and psychological drama, as the man, Elliott Hoover (Anthony Hopkins), intrudes on the peaceful life of Janice and Bill Templeton (Marsha Mason, John Beck) and their daughter, Ivy (Susan Swift). As Ivy begins to exhibit terrifying night terrors and displays knowledge she couldn't possibly possess, the Templetons are forced to confront the impossible truth, leading to a tense legal battle and an exploration of the boundaries between belief, madness, and the supernatural. The film masterfully crafts a sense of creeping dread, focusing on the emotional toll and existential questions raised by the possibility of reincarnation. While not as widely celebrated as *The Sound of Music* or *West Side Story*, *Audrey Rose* is a quintessential example of Robert Wise's remarkable versatility and his talent for elevating genre material into thoughtful, intelligent cinema, earning its place on a "Best Robert Wise Movies" list. Wise, a master of multiple genres, approached this supernatural thriller with his characteristic blend of meticulous craftsmanship and a profound exploration of complex themes. He meticulously builds a slow-burn sense of dread and psychological tension, rather than relying on cheap scares, delving into the unsettling questions of reincarnation, grief, and the fragility of identity. It showcases his ability to extract powerful, nuanced performances, particularly from Anthony Hopkins and Marsha Mason, grounding the fantastical premise in deeply human emotion. For fans of Wise's darker, more introspective work – like *The Haunting* or *The Andromeda Strain* – *Audrey Rose* stands as a testament to his consistent skill in transforming intriguing concepts into compelling, intelligent cinema.