Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Tate Taylor, Entertainment One, MA 112 Minutes.
This intriguing psychological drama from director Tate Taylor (‘The Help’) is a thrilling mystery movie based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel of the same name and starring Emily Blunt (‘Sicario’) in the role of Rachel, a deeply disturbed divorcee.
The opening scene shows Rachel on a train, looking out the window and taking particular notice of her previous home where her former husband Tom (Justin Theroux – ‘Wanderlust’) now lives with his new wife Anna (Rebecca Ferguson – ‘Greatest Showman’).
Unable to face the reality of her divorce or that her drunkenness was a contributing factor Rachel is still persistent with her routine of catching a train each day and spending time to peer into homes along the way.
On one particular occasion Rachel observes from her train window an unknown woman resembling Anna kissing a man on the balcony of her old house and believes that both are involved in some kind of an affair.
Rachel later finds out from TV reports that Megan (Haley Bennett – ‘The Magnificent 7’) the wife of Scott Hipwell (Luke Evans – ‘Dracula Untold’), her neighbour, has gone missing before being found murdered.
When Rachel is questioned by Detective Riley (Allison Janney – ‘Spy’) she initially admits to seeing Megan from the train being attacked but due to a series of blackouts experienced from her alcoholic addiction cannot recall any of the other details.
The mystery of Megan’s murder is further deepened when it is discovered that Megan was having illicit affairs unbeknown to her husband Scott, similar to Rachel’s ex-husband Tom.
Taylor has adopted a Hitchcockian style of storytelling through the twists and turns of his murder mystery in addition to pursuing the same theme seen in ‘Gone Girl’ where nothing may be as it seems.
Apart from the few flaws in the story’s structure it is the brilliant performance by Blunt that is the major highlight ably supported by Theroux and Bennett not to mention the focus on each of the three leading women.
Despite the intricate plot Taylor has delivered an enjoyable and stimulating psychological thriller.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN is televised on ABC TV Plus at 8.30pm on Friday 22 October.
