Joe Wright's latest directorial thriller The Woman In The Window has recently been the centre of criticism by fans of the book that the film is based on and others who think the premise borrowed too much from Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 classic film Rear Window. But regardless if one calls it a rip off or an homage to Hitchcock, the opening scene of the movie utilises the camera to pan across the interior of a lonely apartment and settle on a TV freeze-frame of James Stewart's anguished face from Rear Window, so at least they're acknowledging the similarities. And yes, this film is also all about peeping.
Based on A.J. Finn's best-selling novel of the same name and scripted by Tracy Letts, The Woman In The Window follows the life of Dr Anna Fox (Amy Adams) who lives alone in New York City that once was home to her happy family. She suffers from agoraphobia and alcoholism and for some reason, Anna becomes separated from her husband and daughter. As she has not gone outside for years, she spends her days and nights watching old movies, drinking, and spying on her neighbours, especially the Russell family who recently moved in across the street. One day, through her window, Anna's life is turned upside down when she inadvertently witnesses a shockingly brutal crime, which causes some turmoil in her life. The housebound woman must confront what she saw.
Director Wright always has an eye for gorgeous cinematography and in this case, it's Anna's large brownstone abode. The daunting and even vertigo-inducing shots that look up or down all the floors through their winding staircase were just stunning. My favourite part was how the film used the reflection of sunlight shining through the stained-glass windows all around her building to create vivid effects.
Director Wright did infuse some interesting artistry to illustrate the trauma. The interaction and dialogue at times have the impression of a stage play but with a heightened sense. As for the story, there are a couple of points in the film that were a little predictable but overall it comfortably stays within the bounds of what's familiar of paranoia-themed movies. However, there was still enough mystery and allure to keep us guessing as well as enough tension that builds as the story develops.
Amy Adams in The Woman In The Window. NETFLIX
Amy Adams is probably one of the reasons that kept me engaged with the story and sit all the way to the end. She plays Anna with incredible nuances; tragedy, fear, mentally unstable -- something we have seen in her past characters in films like Arrival (2016) and Nocturnal Animals (2016). Here too, Adams doesn't miss the mark. All the way through, her character will make you feel a sense of helplessness and loneliness and when it comes to the horrifying thing she saw, you want to believe everything she says but at the same time, you also know that she spends too much time drinking Merlot and mixing up medications, causing delusions. So it's that emotional roller coaster that you're going through with this character that makes it such a thrilling ride.
In addition to Adams, the performances of all the actors across the board are pretty solid from Gary Oldman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Wyatt Russell, Anthony Mackie, and Julianne Moore, and Fred Hechinger. Although not all of them have the same screen time, each has varying degrees of involvement in the story. Besides some predictable segments here and there, the ending does wrap up a little too quickly. However, the climax was exciting and tense and it gives us a good ending.
The Woman In The Window is a fun mystery that should keep you guessing with some interesting creative choices that keep it from becoming mundane but definitely far from unique. While we can't really say this is one of the better mystery thrillers we have seen in recent years, it is still a really enjoyable watch.
Amy Adams in The Woman In The Window. photos © Netflix
