The Girl on the Train (2016) is a Captivating Psycho-Drama

We can always solve the pieces of any difficult puzzle.

Based on the novel written by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train is a 2016 psychological thriller about an alcoholic woman who’s entangled in a missing person investigation. As Rachel uncovers disturbing truths and revelations of past relationships, she puts missing blurred pieces together.

Mystery thrillers should take note of The Girl on the Train. When the book was first released, it became the fastest-selling novel ever. Shooting movies from multiple perspectives is a good idea to enhance mysteries. This is a film for all female audiences to never let anyone take advantage of their psyche.

I love rewatching movies with actors who I didn’t know would be on my favorite list years later. Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, and Haley Bennett star as the main characters. Each actress does an impressive job with their character's journey.

Blunt is a versatile actress. I love watching her movies. She does a remarkable job as Rachel, a broken woman who takes a stand for her rights. Fans didn’t believe Blunt was right for the role, not matching the character’s physical features. Blunt ignored criticism and dominated the performance, capturing the vulnerability and bold attitude.

Ferguson is another talented actress who has also starred in various genres. These women have different lifestyles, but they share a familiar connection with broken romances. Ferguson embodies her character’s subtle emotions about a life she should be happy about.

Bennett deserves more praise as an actress, especially for her role as Megan. Burdened by her past, Bennett described Megan as an enigma. She had more homework for her role to reach into the psychological routes of her character’s mysterious nature.

Let’s not forget the supporting cast, particularly Justin Theroux and Luke Evans (Tom and Scott). As Rachel slowly unravels fuzzy memories, we see how volatile Scott Hipwell is. Everyone’s roles required reading between the lines and the cast succeeded.

Laura Prepon, Allison Janney, and Lisa Kudrow star in small roles, but still make a big impact. Kudrow’s role was invented for the film. Her character's name is only mentioned in the book and never seen.

I have not read the book adaptation, but based on Tate Taylor’s direction, he succeeded in the multiple perspectives. He hit the ground running when filming started, analyzing the characters with the actresses and finding the right filming techniques for this psychological thriller.

He also made excellent use of locations, especially the train. Train settings always make exciting settings as Rachel travels to several crucial areas. You can’t help but people-watch.

Editing a film like this requires patience to manifest subtlety and surprises from the audience. Scenes are fragmented, using flashbacks. Thankfully, they’re not overused like most mystery films tend to do. The cinematography accomplishes a perplexing atmosphere where you are also fighting for answers.

While the film succeeds in its visual style, its pacing is uneven, specifically with Bennett’s role in the story. Too much attention is given to Blunt and Ferguson. Bennett has an intricate role in the unique storytelling, but I felt her scenes are rushed.

The Girl on the Train is about taking a stand for one's rights - whether confronting dramas or insecurities. Each woman is facing a demon, whether physical or mental. Look out for yourself and have courage when facing uncomfortable truths.

This is a compelling thriller not just for fans of the book, but anyone who is a fan of mysteries. I have watched this film twice now and both times I was captivated by the haunting storytelling.