The Girl On The Train | Film Review

So it's been exactly a week since I went to see The Girl On The Train. I can't believe it's taken me a whole week to actually post this, it's so difficult trying to juggle University, work and blogging. But anyway, here's a bit of a brief background story. This time six months ago I had never even heard of the book, The Girl On The Train, actually this time three months ago I had never heard of it. It was only this summer on my trip to Mallorca that I decided I really wanted a good book to read to keep me occupied while relaxing in the sun. So I chose this one and (oh my god!) it did not disappoint! I don't class myself as a big reader but I couldn't put this book down. Page after page, chapter after chapter, it had me gripped from the very start. I needed to know what was going to happen. I may have got sun burnt in the process but it was worth it. I don't care what anyone says, it was the best book I had read in a very long time. Since I found out there was going to be a film adaptation released just two months later with Emily Blunt cast as the leading lady, I honestly couldn't wait. So you could imagine my excitement walking into the cinema with my friends to watch the film I had been obsessing over for the past couple of month. With tickets bought in advance, great seats, and popcorn at the ready, it was finally time to watch it! So check out my honest review of The Girl On The Train below and find out how it compares with the book.

NO SPOILERS

 

So The Girl On The Train stars Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson, an alcoholic divorcee who inadvertently becomes wrapped up in a missing persons investigation. Once married to a man named Tom Watson, the pair lived on a perfect suburban street overlooking the sea and the train tracks that stretch into Manhatten. However due to personal circumstances which drives Emily to drink, Tom begins having an affair with a woman called Anna. This pushes Rachel over the edge and she moves out to live with her friend. Rachel travels the Hudson Line everyday where she averts her eyes from her previous home where Anna is now bringing up a child with Tom. She now fixates on a couple living next door who she believes is the "embodiment of true love." However one morning she see's something that changes everything and derails her fantasies for good. As a woman named Megan Hipwell goes missing, Rachel confides in Scott Hipwell, acting as an old friend of Megans which draws her further into the investigation. Secrets are uncovered, trust is broken, lies are told and after the events of one night, life will never be the same for these characters. However does Rachel's own lapse of memory due to drinking hide her own guilty secret? 

 

So here's my take on The Girl On The Train. Lets start by saying I preferred the book over the film. I thoroughly enjoyed the eagerly anticipated adaptation and I was on the edge of my seat with suspense but I was still a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong Erin Crissida Wilson remains structurally faithful to Hawkin's novel, but I don't understand why some changes were made travelling from the page to the screen. The book was set in England so I'm not sure why the film is set in New York, it gave the film a completely different feel to it. Also Rachel and Scott's relationship wasn't explored and delved into as much compared to the book, omitting a specific bedroom scene that I'm sure many fans were looking forward to seeing. I also felt that the film as a whole was a bit anti-climatic which I didn't get from the book. But all in all I'm so glad this film stayed on the tracks and stayed true to the incredible storyline.

 

This film had mystery surrounding all of it's characters, drama and some of the most intense scenes I've watched in a long time. In the end, however, the whole movie rests upon the shoulders of Emily Blunt, and she holds it all together, even as her character is falling apart. I've seen Emily in many films from The Devil Wears Prada to the Edge Of Tomorrow but nothing like this. She pulled it out of the bag, playing the hell out of this blackout drunk and adding a touch of welcome sympathy. The casting was superb, especially the three leading ladies who all gave incredible performances. The Girl On The Train has the perfect balance of suspense, darkness and danger. From Tom's psychological torment to the apparent utter helplessness of Rachel to the vast secrecy of Megan, TGOTT takes a darker yet more sympathetic change from the book. The deceit and horror that unfolded on the pages was adapted brilliantly onto the screen. From the cinematography, to the shocking revelations to the final reeling moment, The Girl On The Train is a brilliant film and is one not to be missed.

 

Apart from one continuity error that I don't want to get into (it will lead to crucial spoilers) as well as some bizarre changes, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. After hyping myself up to see it and ignoring the mixed reviews, I actually think it did the original novel some justice. However I do prefer the book over the film. I think some critics are being incredibly harsh on the movie but we all know you shouldn't believe everything you read. So that's my honest review of The Girl On The Train. That's my very first review on here so hopefully you enjoyed reading it. If you have ANY interest in TGOTT yourself, then what are you waiting for? Grab your ticket, wait on the platform and become amerced in the life of Rachel Watson.

 

Are you going to see The Girl On The Train? What are your thoughts on it? Do you prefer the book like me or the film? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time folks.
Robert

 

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