The story follows Rachel Watson (Emily Blunt), a divorced alcoholic who rides the train every day, watching the people who live in the houses along the railroad tracks. One day, she witnesses something disturbing that shatters her lonely existence. She becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit, putting herself in danger as she tries to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Megan (Haley Bennett), a woman she used to watch from the train.
The movie is set in the suburbs of New York City and the production design is outstanding. The houses, trains, and streets all look authentic and the cinematography is striking at times. The movie is slow-paced, but it is intentional, as it allows the audience to immerse themselves in Rachel’s world and to feel her pain and despair. The script is well-crafted, and the dialogue feels natural, with a few exceptions where it is a bit too dramatic.
The strength of the movie is the performance of Emily Blunt. She gives a powerful and emotional performance as Rachel, portraying her as a complex and flawed character that the audience can still empathize with. Blunt’s portrayal of a woman struggling with addiction is not over-the-top or forced, but rather subtle and realistic. Her facial expressions and body language convey more than words could ever express, making Rachel a believable and relatable character.
The supporting cast is also strong, and they fit their characters well. Rebecca Ferguson plays Anna, the new wife of Rachel’s ex-husband, who becomes tangled in the same web of lies as Rachel. Haley Bennett is also good as Megan, a woman who is struggling to find herself and make sense of her own life. Luke Evans and Justin Theroux play two of the men at the center of the mystery, while Édgar Ramírez plays a psychiatrist who helps Rachel piece together the events that led to Megan’s disappearance.
However, despite the strong performances and production design, The Girl on the Train suffers from a lack of suspense. The movie is a psychological thriller, but it never really feels that tense. The mystery is predictable, and the revelation of the killer is not that surprising. The pacing of the film is slow, and it may bore some viewers who are looking for a fast-paced thriller.
In conclusion, The Girl on the Train is a well-made movie with great performances, production design, and a good script. Emily Blunt shines in the leading role, bringing depth and complexity to her character. Unfortunately, the lack of suspense and the predictable plot prevent the movie from being a great thriller. However, it is still worth watching for those who enjoy character-driven dramas or are fans of the book.