Review of The Girl on the Train (2016) by Dawdlingpoet — 26 Nov 2021

I found this a sinister, gripping watch. It does use some perhaps cliched elements but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I did read the novel that its based on and I recognised/remembered some of the plot aspects from the book, although the big difference is that its set in the US (New York to be more specific), rather than just outside London.

Emily Blunt gives quite a haunting performance as the main character, Rachel, someone who is, I think its fair to say, a bit edgy, anxious and unsure what to make of what she sees. The film has quite a claustrophobic/atmospheric feel, with Rachel struggling to figure out whats going on, to solve the mystery, as the viewer also wants. Her portrayal as a scared and lost person often seemingly verging on somewhat of a spiral, teetering on losing control, is quite eery and I'd say its worth seeing for that alone. The film features a decent, unobtrusive use of ethereal type music/noises to add to the sinister feeling. Its perhaps a bit cliched but it certainly doesn't ruin the film either.

I suppose the plot pace is a bit slow but it still felt a more compelling watch than some other slow-ish paced films I've seen recently. I think its flawed character of Rachel that appeals, as I suppose most people could relate to at least some aspect(s) of her. I remember thinking that the novel seemed like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be solved and indeed the film is much the same, being, as it is, a mystery based film with plenty of tension and a great main performance. I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to others. Of course the depiction of a somewhat vulnerable lady won't appeal to all, some may say that aspect is too stereotyped but the story has more to it than just that aspect and I felt it was a well made film in general, so I'm going for a 4 star rating.