Title: The Girl on the Train
Age: 15
Released: 7th October 2016
Director: Tate Taylor
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Thriller
Rating: **** (4/5 stars)
About: Commuter Rachel Watson (Emily Blunt) catches daily glimpses of a seemingly perfect couple, Scott, and Megan, from the window of her train. One day, Watson witnesses something shocking unfold in the backyard of the strangers’ home. Rachel tells the authorities what she thinks she saw after learning that Megan is now missing and feared dead. Unable to trust her own memory, the troubled woman begins her own investigation, while police suspect that Rachel may have crossed a dangerous line.
Review: I was so excited to see this film because I really loved the book.
It annoys me when people compare this to ‘Gone Girl’ because yes, they are mystery/thriller books, but their stories are completely different. To those people who say that this isn’t as good as ‘Gone Girl’, I will admit that I agree but when you think of the film just by itself I do see it as a successful one.
Even though I have already read the book (and you can find a link for the book review at the bottom of this review), I did find the film quite suspenseful. Admittedly, I did know what was to happen, but it was great to see the book being played out, rather than just using my imagination.
And I do feel that they picked the right actors for the film.
Emily Blunt, who plays Rachel, was a perfect choice – I mean I did think that she was too beautiful for the role, as Rachel is meant to have puffy cheeks and basically just not have a very attractive appearance (linked to the fact that she is mean to be an alcoholic), but I still really liked her as Rachel.
I would also like to add that I felt that everyone in this film were just gorgeous. Not that this affected the rating that I gave this film, but it was a nice little-added bonus I feel.
You really did feel sympathetic to the characters as well, you have Rachel who is just trying to help but no one will listen to her (and then there’s also the other problem of her ex-husband, but I’ll let you read the book or watch the film to understand what I mean by that).
You then have Megan, who is, of course, the victim in this film. But when you learn about her life in a series of ‘flashbacks’, you learn about her troubled past and what she’s actually dealing with.
You see Megan more than just a woman who is having an affair, as she really does have a horrible past.
Basically, when you watch the film you could say you feel sorry for most of the characters – which is a great thing for a film to do because it clearly shows that it has captured the attention of the audience. That is the one trick that directors must do (I think), because if they don’t get the audience’s attention then the film would be unsuccessful.
And I don’t think that this film was unsuccessful, as I did enjoy it.
I didn’t give it 5 stars though because I have seen better thriller films. BUT that isn’t to say that you should not watch it, as I think that it is definitely worthwhile and if you have time I would also suggest that you read the book as that is also very good if you want to pass some time.
If you would also like to read the book review I gave it please click the link here: https://castlesandturretsblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/04/the-girl-on-the-train-by-paula-hawkins-book-review/
CastlesandTurrets 