The Woman in the Window

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 14, 2021

Genre
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Amy Adams as Dr. Anna Fox
• Gary Oldman as Alistair Russell
• Julianne Moore as Jane Russell
• Wyatt Russell as David Winters
• Fred Hechinger as Ethan Russell
• Anthony Mackie as Ed Fox
• Brian Tyree Henry as Detective Little
• Jennifer Jason Leigh as the “real” Jane Russell

Director
Joe Wright

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Atonement (2007)
• Pride & Prejudice (2005)
• The Darkest Hour (2017)

Producer
Scott Rudin
Eli Bush
Anthony Katagas

Writer
Tracy Letts
Based on the novel The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Budget
$40 million

Production Company
20th Century Studios
Fox 2000 Pictures
Scott Rudin Productions

Running Time
100 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Strong language
• Disturbing images
• Themes of mental illness

Movie Story
The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller centered around Dr. Anna Fox (Amy Adams), an agoraphobic child psychologist who lives alone in a large New York City townhouse. Plagued by anxiety and depression, Anna spends her days indoors, watching old movies, drinking heavily, and spying on her neighbors through her window. Her life takes a dark turn when she becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect Russell family, who have just moved in across the street.

Anna strikes up a conversation with Jane Russell (Julianne Moore), the friendly and enigmatic wife of Alistair Russell (Gary Oldman). But when Anna witnesses what she believes to be Jane’s brutal murder, her world spirals further into paranoia. She tries to report the crime, only to be met with skepticism by the police and the Russells themselves, who claim that Jane is alive and well—and that the woman Anna met isn’t Jane Russell at all.

As Anna delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to question her own sanity. The film weaves together elements of Hitchcockian suspense, psychological tension, and mystery, as Anna struggles to separate reality from delusion. Her unreliable perspective, exacerbated by her medication and isolation, makes it difficult to discern the truth, creating a sense of disorientation and unease.

The narrative builds towards a tense and twist-filled climax, where Anna’s deepest fears and suspicions come to light, leading to a confrontation that forces her to confront her own past traumas. The film explores themes of mental illness, grief, and the fine line between perception and reality.

Special Effects
The Woman in the Window uses a blend of practical effects and stylized cinematography to create its claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. The film’s use of color, lighting, and camera angles is heavily influenced by classic thrillers, with the visuals often reflecting Anna’s deteriorating mental state. The house itself becomes a character in the film, with its dark, winding hallways and oppressive interiors contributing to the sense of isolation and paranoia that pervades the story. The visual effects are subtle but effective, enhancing the film’s suspense without overshadowing the narrative.

Box Office Performance
The Woman in the Window was originally slated for a theatrical release, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released on Netflix. The film garnered significant attention due to its star-studded cast and the popularity of A.J. Finn’s novel. However, the film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Amy Adams’s performance but criticism for its convoluted plot and lack of coherence. Despite the mixed reception, the film found an audience on Netflix, where it generated significant viewership.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA
• The Bronx, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You know, it’s so rare to meet a neighbor these days.” – Jane Russell
• “My neighbor, she’s been murdered!” – Anna Fox
• “The mind is a fragile thing. It takes only the slightest tap to tip it in the wrong direction.” – Alistair Russell

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Joe Wright, known for his visually rich and character-driven films, brought his signature style to The Woman in the Window. The film’s production faced several challenges, including reshoots and delays due to studio concerns over the film’s tone and pacing. Tracy Letts, who adapted the screenplay from A.J. Finn’s novel, worked closely with Wright to balance the psychological elements with the mystery at the heart of the story. Amy Adams’s portrayal of Anna Fox was widely praised for its emotional depth and complexity, capturing the character’s vulnerability and instability. The film’s design and cinematography were also highlighted as key elements in creating the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
The Woman in the Window is a visually intriguing psychological thriller that delivers a strong performance from Amy Adams and an atmosphere of suspense and unease. However, the film’s convoluted plot and uneven pacing may leave some viewers unsatisfied. While it doesn’t quite live up to its Hitchcockian influences, it offers enough twists and tension to keep fans of the genre engaged. The film’s exploration of mental illness and unreliable perception adds a layer of complexity, though it sometimes struggles to balance these themes with the demands of its mystery plot.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10