THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW

US, 2021, 100 minutes, Colour.

Amy Adams, Fred Hechinger, Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Wyatt Russell, Brian Tyree Henry, Anthony Mackie.

Directed by Joe Wright.

There are substantial ambitions for the success of The Woman in the Window, directed by veteran Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride and Prejudice) from a screenplay by actor-director, Tracy Letts (who appears as the doctor in this film).

However, audience tests were not successful and there was a reworking of some sequences of the film. The covid 19 pandemic prevented cinema release and the film went to streaming services.

The film has a very strong and very able cast, led by Amy Adams as a child psychologist who suffers from agoraphobia, is separated from her family. Oscar-winners Gary Oldman and Julianne Moore appear as a couple. Fred Hechinger appears as their son.

However, all is not as it seems. Early in the film, there is specific reference to Hitchcock’s Rear Window on which the screenplay is obviously based and pays homage to. There are also visual references to the classic thrillers Laura and Hitchcock’s Spellbound.

There is quite some complicated background, the psychologist involved in a car accident with deaths, her supporting a mysterious border in the house (Wyatt Russell), the pressure of her psychological state, contemplating suicide. There is also a visit from the couple whom she observes from her window, who act mysteriously, and her witnessing the murder of the wife. There is some attachment to the teenage son and his freely coming in and out of her apartment.

There is a police investigation. There are some of the deaths. There are various clues to a mystery, and the revelation of a serial killer murderer.

It seems a pity that with such good ingredients, that the film does not have the impact that it might.

1. The title? Focus on Anna, agoraphobia, watching, the drama? And the parallels with Hitchcock’s Rear Window? The initial glimpse of the clip (and Laura and Spellbound)?
2. The claustrophobic action, within the house, within the main room, staircases, basement, roof? Looking across the street into windows? The flashback, the car, the crash? The musical score?
3. The scenario following each day of the week?
4. Anna Fox and her story, Amy Adams; presence? Age, withdrawn, no make up? Staying in her house? Drinking, pills? Ultimately preparing for suicide? The visit of Dr Landry, counselling? Her phone calls? Her communication with David, and her tenant? Her background as child counsellor? Her absent husband and daughter?
5. The late revelation of the truth about Anna, driving, the phone, alienation from her husband, her daughter in the back of the car, the vivid photos with her daughter? The distraction, the crash?
6. The visit from Ethan, aged 15, talking about his father, the sympathetic reception by Anna? Seeing him through the window?
7. The visit from Jane, bright and breezy, the conversation, sharing the drink, the talk, Jane and her sketch and gift? Her earrings? And their later being found in David’s basement? Anna and her seeing Jane being murdered?
8. Alastair Russell, his business interests, moving from Boston, his dead associate? Anna and her online research? Phone calls about him? His visit, confronting Anna?
9. The murder, Anna going out with the umbrella, phoning 911, her reaction, the police? The detective and his associate? The questions? Anna’s story? Her not being credible because of her background and condition?
10. Russell, his visit, bringing his wife and son? Anna not believing them? The threats?
11. David, his story, parole, renting from Anna, doing odd jobs? And the denouncing him to the police, the later apology? Anna finding the earring? The confrontation, his relationship with Katie, the night? Suspicions? The confrontation with Ethan, Ethan killing him?
12. Russell and his continued confrontations, Anna, the effect, the flashback to the car accident and the deaths? Everybody present confronting her?
13. The attempted suicide, crushing the tablets? Finding the photo of her asleep? Calling the police? Unable to help? Anna looking at the photos, seeing the reflection of Katie in the wineglass?
14. Ethan and his visit, the change, the confrontation, the truth about Katie, Ethan’s birth mother, his killing her? Motivation? The previous killing of Pam, his father’s assistant? Killing David?
15. The pursuit of Anna, onto the roof, her defence, the wounds to her face, getting Ethan on the skylight, crashing to his death?
16. In hospital, the apology to the detective, deleting the video of her intended suicide? The ability to resume life?