Similar to Hitchcock’s Rear Window , the story explores the human urge to observe others and fill in the blanks with our own desires or loathing.
A central theme is the psychological abuse women face. Rachel eventually realizes her memories of being a "destructive alcoholic" were partially manufactured by her gaslighting ex-husband, Tom, to keep her compliant and confused. The Girl on the Train(2016)
The Girl on the Train (2016) – A. J. Black – Writer/Podcaster Similar to Hitchcock’s Rear Window , the story
Critics generally found the film a "decent thriller" with a "slow burn". While some appreciated the "claustrophobic" cinematography and tense atmosphere, others felt the non-linear timeline and stream-of-consciousness style of the book didn't translate perfectly to a two-hour movie. The Girl on the Train (2016) – A
Rachel’s alcoholism and frequent blackouts make her an unreliable guide. She struggles to distinguish between reality and her own projections, often feeling "conditioned" into believing she is a violent, erratic person.