I loved the acting especially the person playing the nanny and the person playing Julia. The Child protective Services procedures were incorrect! I used to be with those services in this state. The Nanny would have been under investigation as well!! The children would have been taken to a foster home. Both nanny and mother denied contact until the case was brought in front of the juvenile court. The children would not have been left with the nanny at all!! The doctor would have approached the police with who the nanny was not the mother!! Those facts lost me!!!
27 Reviews
Nothing very different or new here
phd_travel4 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This average Lifetime thriller offers little novelty from the usual wacko nanny story. She wants the kids and starts poisoning the kids mentally against the mother and literally poisoning the mother. Why does she do it? No good reason. This is not Hand that Rocks the Cradle by far.
Not bad but Not great
steenie-653916 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I like the premise of the movie. The nanny's character was so hateable that I wanted to punch her in the face. As a mother, I would have fired the nanny as soon as I saw changes in my kids and she didn't. But then we wouldn't have had a movie right?! I also would have googled the nanny's "name" and I'm sure that the real Olivia's pic would have popped up, discrediting the psycho. Lifetime does have the most outrages plot lines but that is why we watch :-).
One of the worst movies ever made.
alwaysshawn31 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was absolutely horrible. Clearly the writer knows nothing about the law. If someone has the police to check up on their nanny why would they disregard their suspensions? The movie was so unrealistic. How are people going to accuse you of spying on your nanny? Everyone has the right to make sure their nanny isn't abusing their children. Most people have nanny cams set up to make sure their children are safe. How is everyone going to accuse you of being crazy because you're a concerned parent? Who ever wrote this garbage, please don't make anymore movies.
Must be a different movie
tomfsloan28 February 2020
I don't know what movie these other reviewers watched but it wasn't this one. Yes, Tara did a descent job of acting. But the plot and everything else about this was so bad! I'm being generous with my rating of 3. The boss is a complete moron. For a lifetime movie, it does what they all do, it was entertaining in the same way of watching a car wreck.
Totally unrealistic, mediocre acting
nvmpnederland1 June 2020
The film is terrible, the acting is below level and the story is unrealistic.
If you look for a good movie, look somewhere else. I am shocked to see this movie manages to get a 6,6 score. I gave it a one star to help get the score realistic this is a two star movie at best.
The story is annoying, not thought trough at all it laks common sence.
I usually enjoy lifetime movies but....
tofu_princesss10 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, Lifetime thrillers are something of a guilty pleasure of mine.. and I certainly don't watch them expecting high realism, or Oscar caliber acting.. but there comes a point where suspension of belief can cross a line and makes a movie unenjoyable and just a big eye roll.. and trust me, I'm saying this as someone who generally enjoys or at least is entertained and easily engrossed by the cheesy lifetime thrillers.
Spoiler alert following!!!
So my huge beef with this movie is that it tries to build a scary scenario out of a completely impossible premise.. it doesn't matter what the police believe of the mother, SHE CAN FLIPPING FIRE THE NANNY for ANY reason and 100% would have as soon as she was convinced that there was something wrong with her.
Maybe I missed something as I didn't watch every minute but WHY in gods name would she have not fired the nanny if she was so convinced she was bad..
And CPS would not transfer custody to a nanny.. unless maybe the parent, nanny, mutually agreed?
I'm sorry, but those two aspects are just TOO impossible to look beyond
Spoiler alert following!!!
So my huge beef with this movie is that it tries to build a scary scenario out of a completely impossible premise.. it doesn't matter what the police believe of the mother, SHE CAN FLIPPING FIRE THE NANNY for ANY reason and 100% would have as soon as she was convinced that there was something wrong with her.
Maybe I missed something as I didn't watch every minute but WHY in gods name would she have not fired the nanny if she was so convinced she was bad..
And CPS would not transfer custody to a nanny.. unless maybe the parent, nanny, mutually agreed?
I'm sorry, but those two aspects are just TOO impossible to look beyond
Dumb and unbelievable.
CranberriAppl6 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I hate these nanny movies for the most part. The set up is so implausible and requires the parent/s in the movies to accept everything at face value. This is a 2019 movie. In what world is this movie set in where a photo of the expected nanny wouldn't have been a part of the info package? I see the commercials all the time. Having such a large and beautiful home, plus the ability to afford a nanny.... I assume she and her husband lived comfortably and he should have had life insurance? It further makes no sense that whatever her job is, she can't do it from home much less during the wee hours of the night.
Then the employee at "The Agency" that basically disregarded Julia's phone call...didn't even ask what the problem was! We are also expected to believe that Real! Olivia's friend just let it go after she never heard back from her friend or the nanny company employee?? The representative who came to the house didn't tell anyone else what was going on? So dumb! I remember the lady mentioning that the nannies are supposed to check in...wasn't happening, so why didn't anyone else call or stop by? Why in the WORLD would Mom be at work and not at least in the vicinity after she called the police? Why didn't she install cameras?
There is ZERO chance they would have been left with that nanny. ZERO! As another reviewer mentioned, Mom can fire her at any point. NOt to mention that once Fake! Olivia started threatening her, are you serious? Sure a welfare check can be done, but it would not result in what this movie wants you to believe. Again, no one notified the nanny agency? Throwing her out of her own home? Please! These kids are too old to fall for this.
Another issue w/these movies....they never have family. Ever. Where are the grandmas who would drop everything to hover? I could see a spiteful granny alienating the kids from their mom like this. This movie could also almost be better if the Faker was a meddlesome neighbor that Julia already knew already took an interest in her kids. In both situations, it would be more of a believable assumption that the kids could be left with them. It makes NO SENSE that she keeps going to work and leaving these kids. What's more important? This dumb job or those kids? She has no clue what the kids are being told, yet she keeps leaving the house. Does she make sure they get to school ok? Does she ever meet with the principal? No.
Her boss also needs to STFU! So much exposition and knowing nothing. Basically shoving a nanny she doesn't know down Julia's throat and making her think she's crazy. What a terrible boss! I can't believe her idiot boss called the police on her. This movie is such a tiresome joke. First, the boss is a terrible actress and second, had you told me that the boss was working with the faker to find marks, I would have believed you. She had no business going off ZERO information and being so adamant about it. They made it seem like they were friends. Why not offer Julia some time to work at home. I really hope Julia told her to shove that job at the end of this. Why were there media and people outside when she was forced to leave, but yet not another face any other time in the movie that could vouch for her being a good parent?
Yet another time the villain gets away. She killed at least two people in this movie, she's drugging everyone...it's not entertaining to see her survive.
Skip it. I started FFing the movie once the stupid started. Lifetime will air a good thriller like My Father's Other Family, but then they'll air this garbage and remind you to keep your expectations in the basement. Good grief I hated this movie.
Then the employee at "The Agency" that basically disregarded Julia's phone call...didn't even ask what the problem was! We are also expected to believe that Real! Olivia's friend just let it go after she never heard back from her friend or the nanny company employee?? The representative who came to the house didn't tell anyone else what was going on? So dumb! I remember the lady mentioning that the nannies are supposed to check in...wasn't happening, so why didn't anyone else call or stop by? Why in the WORLD would Mom be at work and not at least in the vicinity after she called the police? Why didn't she install cameras?
There is ZERO chance they would have been left with that nanny. ZERO! As another reviewer mentioned, Mom can fire her at any point. NOt to mention that once Fake! Olivia started threatening her, are you serious? Sure a welfare check can be done, but it would not result in what this movie wants you to believe. Again, no one notified the nanny agency? Throwing her out of her own home? Please! These kids are too old to fall for this.
Another issue w/these movies....they never have family. Ever. Where are the grandmas who would drop everything to hover? I could see a spiteful granny alienating the kids from their mom like this. This movie could also almost be better if the Faker was a meddlesome neighbor that Julia already knew already took an interest in her kids. In both situations, it would be more of a believable assumption that the kids could be left with them. It makes NO SENSE that she keeps going to work and leaving these kids. What's more important? This dumb job or those kids? She has no clue what the kids are being told, yet she keeps leaving the house. Does she make sure they get to school ok? Does she ever meet with the principal? No.
Her boss also needs to STFU! So much exposition and knowing nothing. Basically shoving a nanny she doesn't know down Julia's throat and making her think she's crazy. What a terrible boss! I can't believe her idiot boss called the police on her. This movie is such a tiresome joke. First, the boss is a terrible actress and second, had you told me that the boss was working with the faker to find marks, I would have believed you. She had no business going off ZERO information and being so adamant about it. They made it seem like they were friends. Why not offer Julia some time to work at home. I really hope Julia told her to shove that job at the end of this. Why were there media and people outside when she was forced to leave, but yet not another face any other time in the movie that could vouch for her being a good parent?
Yet another time the villain gets away. She killed at least two people in this movie, she's drugging everyone...it's not entertaining to see her survive.
Skip it. I started FFing the movie once the stupid started. Lifetime will air a good thriller like My Father's Other Family, but then they'll air this garbage and remind you to keep your expectations in the basement. Good grief I hated this movie.
A solid "Nightmare of a Nanny" Lifetime Movie
craigtovey2 December 2019
Hey, it's Lifetime. You know what you came here for! Lol As far as writing and overall story, it's pretty predictable. But the execution is super solid; it's beautifully shot and edited, and the two leads are awesome! Julia (Tara Erickson) delivers a convincing and emotional performance and Nanny (Annika Foster) was believably creepy. They made some solid lemonade out of a pretty lemon script!
Dumb, Dumber, Dumbest
teecee-8002314 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I usually don't review movies, but since I rely so heavily upon them for my decision to watch or not watch, I figured I owed it to anyone who does the same. Here goes!
Mom: Dumb for not insisting on controlling her household. She let the nanny decide too much and way too early. Dumber: A toss-up between the mom's boss and the lady from the agency who showed up and got herself whacked. Dumbest: The cops! MOM called y'all and y'all side with nanny?!?!?
The kids get an honorable mention since they were so quick to believe a stranger over the woman who's loved and cared for them their whole lives. But since they're kids, they get a slight pass.
Throw the whole movie away!
Mom: Dumb for not insisting on controlling her household. She let the nanny decide too much and way too early. Dumber: A toss-up between the mom's boss and the lady from the agency who showed up and got herself whacked. Dumbest: The cops! MOM called y'all and y'all side with nanny?!?!?
The kids get an honorable mention since they were so quick to believe a stranger over the woman who's loved and cared for them their whole lives. But since they're kids, they get a slight pass.
Throw the whole movie away!
Ridiculous Scene Ruins Movie
jimcarter195928 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In the final 20 minutes of the movie there's a scene that is ridiculous. Any adult knows that the government wouldn't place children with a nanny while removing the homeowner. Even in cases of neglect, the government can't make you leave your house. The mother could have fired the nanny and the kids would have gone to a group home or to a foster family.
The dumbest mother in the world
LaverneandShirleysucks13 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sure the nanny's a psycho. At least she has an excuse for her behavior, but the mother was just too stupid to live for not seeing all the red flags from psycho nanny from the start. The film was written so unrealistically because I doubt any mother with two brain cells to rub together would have allowed things to get as far as they did. The kids should've been put into foster care and away from both women.
Hm ...
jannet-3859622 February 2020
Amazing Actor
goodmann-722831 December 2019
Not worth watching
gareththomas-359722 December 2019
Dont waste your time with this movie
jeroenap1 June 2020
The story builds up until 12 minutes before the end, than finishes rushed like a child who doesnt want to continue with his or her homework.
It's annoying, bad, terrible.
The story isn't great and doesn't follow up on things that happen in the movie. The acting is sadly unworthy for tv. The story is about a nanny yet the makers obviously never took the time to see how those companies work. Social service in the movie and the police are a joke too.
Terrible movie.
vsquir27 March 2021
This movie is OSCAR the Grouch-Worthy
Denny12328 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is perhaps one of the silliest and nonsensical movies I have ever seen. Although Tara Erickson (Julia) and Annika Foster (Olivia) do fantastic jobs in their respective roles as a caring mother who has had to temporarily change her work hours and a nanny who wants to poison the children against their mother, it is not a great movie.
"The Twisted Nanny" lacks any credibility because certain aspects of the movie do not make sense. I enjoyed it and the two main actresses are talented, but the movie could have been better.
The movie is especially repetitive. The same things seem to happen over and over again - The mother is tired, the children act distant towards her and Julia suspects that there is something wrong with the nanny. The same information is presented over and over again. It is as if you are seeing the same scenes with slightly different dialogue.
The beginning of the movie is similar to many other Lifetime movies such as "The Sitter," "A Stranger with My Kids" and "Nanny Cam" whereby the mother arrives home to find that the nanny has cleaned in an impressive manner.
1. Unless there is some aspect of the law that I have not quite grasped, there was never anything to preclude the mother from asking the nanny to leave. At any point, Julia could have excluded Olivia from her home. She was fully entitled to not have Olivia anywhere near her children.
2. Common sense would dictate that Julia should have introduced Jessica and Blaine to Olivia before-hand. It would have been prudent for them to meet at least once before coming to work for the family. Sometimes, it is the little details which can make a significant difference and make the movie more realistic. A scene could have been included in which Julia sits down with Olivia and going over what is expected of her on a daily basis. Most people would not leave their children with a person whom they have only just met.
3. Why do Jessica and Blaine share a room? The house seems sufficiently big for each of the children to have a room of their own.
4. At one point in the movie, a woman from the agency that Olivia purports to be from visits the house. Subsequently, no one from the agency asks any questions as to the whereabouts of this woman. Even a five year old would think to question the last few places this person frequented. Peripheral characters in Lifetime movies often make an appearance and then are treated as if they never existed.
5. Julia contacts the police because she is concerned about what is going on in her home. What does she expect the police to do? If she is that suspicious, she could have installed a web cam or just inform Olivia that she never wants to see her again. Yes, I concede that this is a Lifetime movie and certain things have to happen for the plot to exist. It was, however, within the realm of possibility for Julia to ask Olivia to leave her home.
6. When Julia contacts the agency by phone, this does not seem to accomplish much. Should she not have conducted robust enquiries before she hired someone to look after her children?
7. After awhile, all of the scenes seem similar - Julia voices her concern to her work colleague, the children act distant and it is infuriating. The pacing seems repetitive at times.
8. The scene in which Blaine hurts his knee and seeks Olivia's attention as opposed to that of his own mother's was really well done in the sense that it helps the audience realise the extent of Julia's feelings of resentment towards Olivia. The scenes in which the children ignore Julia were good in the sense that they helped Julia to realise that something was wrong in the house.
Both Julia and Olivia did well in their respective roles. Olivia excelled in acting unusual when Julia was around, but when she was being questioned by the police she did not give them any cause to be concerned. The actress excelled in showcasing her duplicitous nature.
"The Twisted Nanny" lacks any credibility because certain aspects of the movie do not make sense. I enjoyed it and the two main actresses are talented, but the movie could have been better.
The movie is especially repetitive. The same things seem to happen over and over again - The mother is tired, the children act distant towards her and Julia suspects that there is something wrong with the nanny. The same information is presented over and over again. It is as if you are seeing the same scenes with slightly different dialogue.
The beginning of the movie is similar to many other Lifetime movies such as "The Sitter," "A Stranger with My Kids" and "Nanny Cam" whereby the mother arrives home to find that the nanny has cleaned in an impressive manner.
1. Unless there is some aspect of the law that I have not quite grasped, there was never anything to preclude the mother from asking the nanny to leave. At any point, Julia could have excluded Olivia from her home. She was fully entitled to not have Olivia anywhere near her children.
2. Common sense would dictate that Julia should have introduced Jessica and Blaine to Olivia before-hand. It would have been prudent for them to meet at least once before coming to work for the family. Sometimes, it is the little details which can make a significant difference and make the movie more realistic. A scene could have been included in which Julia sits down with Olivia and going over what is expected of her on a daily basis. Most people would not leave their children with a person whom they have only just met.
3. Why do Jessica and Blaine share a room? The house seems sufficiently big for each of the children to have a room of their own.
4. At one point in the movie, a woman from the agency that Olivia purports to be from visits the house. Subsequently, no one from the agency asks any questions as to the whereabouts of this woman. Even a five year old would think to question the last few places this person frequented. Peripheral characters in Lifetime movies often make an appearance and then are treated as if they never existed.
5. Julia contacts the police because she is concerned about what is going on in her home. What does she expect the police to do? If she is that suspicious, she could have installed a web cam or just inform Olivia that she never wants to see her again. Yes, I concede that this is a Lifetime movie and certain things have to happen for the plot to exist. It was, however, within the realm of possibility for Julia to ask Olivia to leave her home.
6. When Julia contacts the agency by phone, this does not seem to accomplish much. Should she not have conducted robust enquiries before she hired someone to look after her children?
7. After awhile, all of the scenes seem similar - Julia voices her concern to her work colleague, the children act distant and it is infuriating. The pacing seems repetitive at times.
8. The scene in which Blaine hurts his knee and seeks Olivia's attention as opposed to that of his own mother's was really well done in the sense that it helps the audience realise the extent of Julia's feelings of resentment towards Olivia. The scenes in which the children ignore Julia were good in the sense that they helped Julia to realise that something was wrong in the house.
Both Julia and Olivia did well in their respective roles. Olivia excelled in acting unusual when Julia was around, but when she was being questioned by the police she did not give them any cause to be concerned. The actress excelled in showcasing her duplicitous nature.
Love the lead actress who played Julia!
eareat2 December 2019
I am a long time LMN viewer and really enjoyed watching The Twisted Nanny this past weekend. All the actors/actresses were great and very well played. The main actress Tara Erickson who played the mom Julia was spot on. I really felt all the emotions she portrayed and I really got caught in her character and was on the edge of my seat. I will certainly keep an eye out for more from Tara and look forward to seeing what she does next!
That's right, 9* stars
SteveInNoHowood2 December 2019
*Well, 9 stars for a Lifetime movie.
Look, they know what they're doing over there. Are they winning Oscars? No. Are they creating jobs and providing enjoyable entertainment that has become a genre unto itself? Yup! What sets this movie above its peers is the casting of these leads.
Tara Erickson and Annika Foster are, quite simply, magnetic. They both bring it, and I mean B R I N G it to absolutely every scene. I've seen Erickson in quite a bit of funny stuff, but I've never seen her like this.
These are probably the best Lifetime casting choices since the recent In Bed With A Killer, starring Jennifer Taylor, Rachel Amanda Bryant, and Jade Harlow.
There's also some really great cinematography in The Twisted Nanny, which I did not expect from a TV movie. I'll let you see for yourself.
SEE the Twisted Nanny... before she sees YOU!
Tara Erickson and Annika Foster are, quite simply, magnetic. They both bring it, and I mean B R I N G it to absolutely every scene. I've seen Erickson in quite a bit of funny stuff, but I've never seen her like this.
These are probably the best Lifetime casting choices since the recent In Bed With A Killer, starring Jennifer Taylor, Rachel Amanda Bryant, and Jade Harlow.
There's also some really great cinematography in The Twisted Nanny, which I did not expect from a TV movie. I'll let you see for yourself.
SEE the Twisted Nanny... before she sees YOU!
Strong performances
skylercaleb2 December 2019
A lot of these types of movies really hinge on the acting. The leads in this one, Tara Erickson as the mom, and Annika Foster as the twisted nanny, brought some really solid dramatic work to this. Gonna keep an eye on them!
A wild ride with a phenomenal cast
amycastle1 December 2019
I saw this premiere last night, and let me just say, I was majorly impressed by the lead of this film. Tara Erickson's performance as Julia was REAL. Lifetime movies can be so over the top, yet Tara was completely believable as the overworked mom who suspects something is up with her twisted nanny. She carries this film and makes you root for her all the way through. Bravo miss Erickson! Looking forward to seeing this rising star in her next leading role.
Excellent movie very suspenseful
stacia-074872 December 2019
Tara did a spectacular job playing Julia and that twisted nanny also did an excellent job! The kids were so cute and I loved the whole storyline and presentation. It made me glad I don't have a nanny for my kids! Lol. Great movie and I highly recommend watching it.
Wow!
laurenhardingmusic4 December 2019
Usually I don't expect much from the acting or plot when it comes to Lifetime movies (I do love me some Lifetime Christmas Though.) However I was really impressed with the two lead actresses and the kids in this movie! Both characters easily could have been over the top but I felt like the nanny was just the right amount of creeptastic and I think the mom did a fantastic job at pulling us into her nightmare. The plot, while pretty predictable, still kept me entertained and I wanted to see that nanny (and the mom's coworker haha) go down hard!
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