This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 79. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey gang,
Remember awhile back I gushed about A.J. Finn’s book, “The Woman in the Window“? Yeah, that twisty-turny, agoraphobic-voyeurism novel that practically glued me to my armchair? Well, let me tell you, when I heard they were making a movie, I was more hyped than a squirrel at a pecan convention. Especially with Amy Adams attached! So, did the film measure up to the book? Or was it a celluloid case of cinematic disappointment? Buckle up, buttercups, because here comes the tea (and by tea, I mean questionable red wine choices ).
First off, let’s rewind. Our protagonist, Anna Fox (played by Adams in all her wine-soaked, pill-popping glory), is basically Hitchcock’s Rear Window reimagined for the Insta-stalk era. Her life is pretty much watching old movies (relatable) and, you know, casually spying on her new neighbors, the seemingly perfect Russells, through her trusty binoculars (because telescopes are so 2019, duh). But things get Rear Window real fast when Anna witnesses something… shall we say… unsettling . Did she see a murder? Is it all in her vino-addled head? That’s the delicious question that keeps you glued to the screen like a fly on flypaper.
But here’s the thing – no one believes Anna. It’s like that frustrating moment when your internet conks out mid-argument on Reddit, and you can’t prove your point. The whole movie has you second-guessing everything. Is Anna losing it, or is there more than meets the eye?
Adams absolutely nails Anna’s descent into paranoia and unreliable narration. Her performance is like watching a porcelain doll crack under pressure, all delicate tremors and haunted eyes. Plus, she rocks that messy bun like nobody’s business. Seriously, if I could bottle her “agoraphobic chic” aesthetic, I’d be a millionaire overnight ♀️.
As for the plot. Let’s just say it’s a tangled mess of red herrings, unreliable narrators, and enough twists to make your head spin like a washing machine on spin cycle. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say the ending had me saying “WTF?!” It’s not exactly the same as the book’s ending, but hey, that’s the beauty of adaptation, right? Keeps you on your toes like a caffeinated flamingo ☕️.
The movie’s got its quirks, for sure. Some parts had me going, “Wait, what?” But that’s part of its charm, I guess? It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual – confusing but weirdly satisfying once you get it.
Let’s talk about the other stars! Julianne Moore plays this enigmatic woman, Jane Russell, who pops into Anna’s life. She’s like this burst of color in Anna’s monochrome world. Then there’s Gary Oldman, playing the gruff Alistair Russell. He’s as intense as a double espresso on a Monday morning. The interactions between these characters are like watching a high-stakes chess game. You’re constantly guessing their next move.
Now, as for the visuals, Joe Wright turned New York into this eerie, almost dream-like place. The colors, the angles, the suspense – it’s like he took a page out of a classic Hitchcock film.
So, if you’re looking for a good psychological thriller with a killer cast and a plot that will make your brain do the tango, go check out “The Woman in the Window.” It’s a suspenseful, twisty-turny ride that will have you questioning everything you see (and everyone you know). Just maybe stock up on wine and Xanax first. Trust me, you’ll need it .
Peace out✌️
Roger