Based on the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins, the much-anticipated adaptation of The Girl On The Train is a twisted thriller directed by Tate Taylor (The Help) and starring Emily Blunt.
So, is it any good?
The Girl on the Train had my full attention from the first frame to the end credits, and it left me emotionally drained due to the twists, turns, and tension. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone. It is a solid mystery which did not disappoint at the end.
I don’t want to ruin anything so I will give you a very short overview. This is a story of a woman – Rachel (Emily Blunt) whose current hobby is looking into the backyards of other people from her train carriage and creating stories in her mind of what she thinks their lives must be. Rachel develops an infatuation with the neighbours of her former husband Tom (Justin Theroux) and his new wife (Rebecca Ferguson) and child. Watching the couple from her train window each morning between sips of concealed spirits, Rachel embroils herself in the mystery when the wife of the seemingly perfect couple goes missing. In a winding cocktail of Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, Gone Girl and Fight Club, thrills abound as the tension rises in a taut and terrifying tale, casting shadows on each character involved in missing Megan’s life.
Emily Blunt is kick-arse in this movie, delivering a gripping portrayal of mental and emotional fragility as she endeavours to solve the case of a missing stranger. Rachel’s alcoholism adds another layer to the mystery as she is forced to question her own state of awareness, leaving the viewer wondering if she is actually of sound mind.
Tate Taylor, what a solid director. This film throws you into a state of confusion from the get go, it demands your attention every second. Pieces of the story start to unravel and you are trying to solve the mystery right there with the characters. Please watch this film at the cinema, the sound design and music throughout adds to the feeling of uneasiness, which I think would be lost if you watch it at home on your iPad or TV. I want you to be immersed in this movie like I was. Why won’t you be immersed?
The only negative I noticed was that the detectives in the story were not great at their jobs. They didn’t seem too concerned with certain obvious suspects, a little too casual me thinks. Though we might not be able to blame Tate for this one as Paula Hawkins wrote the book.
The Girl on the Train is a fantastic movie with great actors and suspense filled direction. Leaving you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, this film asks many questions, keeps you guessing the whole time, has great twists throughout, but also answers all questions, leaving the viewer satisfied. Make sure you see it while it is at a cinema near you.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN is in cinemas now