Unless I happen to see a movie’s trailer while I’m watching something else or there’s a lot of history behind an upcoming film, sometimes I’ll throw caution to the wind and watch a film strictly based off of who’s in it. “Greta” is one such example of this, as I am a huge fan of Chloë Grace Moretz and decided to watch this film for her and her alone, as I knew absolutely nothing about it. And I am so glad I did- so much so, in fact, that I would like to recommend everyone reading this stop right now and just go watch the movie without any background information, as I did.
For those of you who just couldn’t resist my way with words; here goes.
Moretz plays the role of Frances McCullen, who is a recent college graduate working as a waitress in New York City and sharing a loft bought for her roommate Erica (played by the very likeable Maika Monroe) by Erica’s parents as a college graduation gift. I know- SICK gift, right?! After work one night, Frances comes across a nice purse left on the same train she’s taking home. Untrusting of others and with no station attendant present, she decides to take the bag home to return it to its rightful owner the following day. Upon visiting the purse’s owner Greta (played by renowned actress Isabelle Huppert), Frances takes a liking to her, as the two share a cup of coffee and a conversation. Having recently lost her mother, Frances finds herself spending more and more time getting to know the elder Greta, as the two develop an increasingly close bond.
However, their relationship proves somewhat troubling as neither of the two can find themselves being completely honest with the other about what exactly it is they are hoping to get out of this quickly escalating relationship. While Erica attempts to remind Frances that nobody can replace her mother, Greta is similarly looking towards Frances to fill the void of Greta’s own daughter, whom she no longer sees as often as she would like either.
My favorite aspect of the film is the anticipation built up in its more tense scenes. The creators and actors do such an amazing job of letting the awkward and uneasy tension manifested by this sudden bond linger to the point where the audience is begging for the next big reveal and/or development. In fact, there are moments throughout the film that reminded me very much so of the feelings I had when first watching Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” which later on went to inspire the more widely known “Disturbia” film starring Shia LaBeouf. As much as we see the pair of ladies grow closer together right before our eyes, the audience always retains a sense that there is more to the story than is being let on.
As with most films, there are scenes that work better with a heightened suspension of disbelief; but, the overall intrigue of discovering just how far their bond will grow overshadows them in most cases. The film goes from being lighthearted to a gripping suspense in short order; and, the cinematography works seamlessly to enhance the increasingly complicated dynamic between Frances and Greta. For divulging information at a methodical pace that draws audience members in and executing well during moments of particularly high intensity, I give Greta 4 reps out of 5. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be seen in theaters to engender a similar effect, Greta is no longer than a 95 minute watch, making it a particularly good fit for an in-theatre viewing.
Have any of you made Greta’s acquaintance yet? Was she as nice to you as she was to Frances? Let me know what you think in the comments section of this post!
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