IR Film Review: THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW [Netflix]
The notion of perspective can be a powerful persuader. It also comes from the reliably of details. The texture of "The Woman In The Window" is an interesting one but it is perspective that it perhaps moves a little too broadly within the narrative. Based on the novel by A.J. Finn, the book itself (having talked to the author just before this adaptation began shooting) was a mediation on his own insomnia. What the book did was place the viewer inside the brain of Anna Fox. This is the one idea that sometimes movies have a hard time doing simply and even in complex motions ("The Martian" suffered in a similar way). Certain books can be exceptionally internal. That said, the film here, directed by Joe Wright, does an admirable job trying to capture the claustrophobia of this woman's strife and failing psychology in a way. There is an interesting balance. A film like "Requiem For A Dream" of course went much darker (and was also not a broader studio made film). This film is rated R so it could have moved into much darker territory. The balance though is maintained.
Like the book, it takes place mostly in a uptown brownstone and plays like an ode to "Rear Window" (which is also referenced in the book). Amy Adams has the hardest and in ways the least showy role of the film but is convincing as a lady who might or might not be losing her mind. Some of her co-stars fare well. Others get lost. But that is just a necessary function of the story as was the novel. It is about who the characters are. Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman, each in their own separate scenes, are fantastic showing to a point some range that has been missing in some of their most recent performances (as acclaimed as they have been). This film gives them a little bit different direction. Oldman looks virile and intent especially in one scene inside Fox's department where you see a glimpse of fire but from an interesting perspective. Moore slinks like a cat in her certain scene.
This of course is backed up by good writing but also a very steady hand by Joe Wright who really conducts this well. It is a play of sorts to be sure. Even Wyatt Russell (in a sort of thankless role) gets his moment in which is meant to reflect Fox's growing paranoia. The only one that seems to get left out a little bit is Jennifer Jason Leigh simply because her character is a basis of misdirect. The final key of the story in the form of Ethan (played by Fred Hechinger) is the crux in which the film hangs on and that is where the film slightly fails. While it plays to old noirs and 90s thrillers, the 3rd act is the weakest, simply because the film has to maneuver (and the book did this as well) with certain revels. It is not Hechinger's fault but because he delivers at points and yet it feels like a cop out.
There is also a nice parallel that fans of "The Falcon And The Winter Soldier" will also see. The film was shot and completed long ago before the Disney/Fox merger and then Netflix acquired it. The framing mechanism of snow falling though is captivating and a beautiful visual cue as is the music by Danny Elfman, obviously honing a little of his Herrmann (which he previous dipped into with "Psycho"). "The Woman In The Window" is an effective thriller, well acted and keenly directed but with a third act resolution that simply is adequate. B-
By Tim Wassberg
