Patty McCormack, who originated the role of "The Bad Seed" on Broadway and played her in the original film, portrays Dr. March, the psychiatrist who is treating young Emma. When Emma and her father are leaving, Dr. March says, "I told Emma she reminds me of me", a reference to the character she played.
Emma's hair is in braids when she meets Dr. March, which could be an homage to Patty McCormack, who wore braids in the original film.
Emma is seen reading "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Outsiders." The director of the original "Bad Seed", Mervyn LeRoy, was a producer of the film version of The Wizard of Oz (1939). The director of this version is Rob Lowe, who starred in the film version of Outsiders (1983).
Dr. March, portrayed by Patty McCormack, who played Rhoda Pennmark in the original 1956 film, tells Emma, "I did the exact same things as you when l was your age" during the session.