Greta

The whole "eccentric stalker" psychological thriller sub genre has honestly jumped the shark. Few films in the genre do anything to set themselves apart or stay memorable or even interesting. Unfortunately, Greta can't seem to buck that trend, to the point of being painfully predictable. I found myself predicting major plot points and character beats way before they actually happened, negating any sort of suspense right off the bat. I get the commentary on the well intentioned naivety of the millennial generation, I get the commentary on how society exploits the "niceness" of young women, I get the thematic significance of the socio-economic disparity between Greta and Frances, I've just seen it all done before so many times and done far more interestingly.

The film also has serious problems with pacing. It moves far too fast for me to buy Greta's obsession with Frances and it felt jarring how quickly the film moved through their relationship. This really hurts the whole movie as a whole as reveals that should really leave an impact on me just end up falling flat.

Despite all of this, I still found myself entertained by Greta. A lot of that comes down to just how outstanding the acting performances were. Isabelle Huppert was the entire reason I went to go see this movie and she does not disappoint in the slightest, completely stealing the show as Greta. The class and sophistication that she brings to the role makes the character alluring, fascinating and even darkly likable despite the horrific and evil things she ends up doing. You can absolutely tell she's having a blast chewing the scenery and you can definitely see why Frances begins the film so drawn to her. That being said, when her darker nature is revealed, Huppert is genuinely terrifying in the focused madness that she brings to this character. Nobody could have played her better.

Chloe Grace Moertz is also very solid. She's always been a solid actress and that's no different here, bringing a real wide eyed sweetness and innocence to the character of Frances that constantly had me rooting for her to escape Greta's clutches. She gives off an almost Snow White-esque vibe where her kindness and capacity for unconditional trust almost becomes her downfall and Moertz is honestly quite charming in the role.

I was really impressed by Maika Monroe, which is something I never thought I would say. She brings a radiant confidence and strength to her role of Erica and her comedic timing is surprisingly on point as well. She can act! Who knew?

I'll also give credit to the visual direction. While the writing leaves much to be desired, Neil Jordan's elegant, Gothic sensibilities bring a real beauty and glamour to the production. This is a gorgeous looking film and Jordan definitely manages to capture the enchanting nature of New York City from the eyes of a young Bostonian girl.

Overall, Greta is worth a a watch for the performances and the direction, but it's hardly worth catching in theaters. This has Netflix written all over it and I'm not sure if it really even justified a theatrical release. That being said, it's still a decent enough thriller to watch. It's painfully cliched and completely predictable, but it's a watchable thriller all the same.

Fairly straightfoward and predictable, but nonetheless Huppert brings a chilling performance as the unhinged title character that may make you wary of helping strangers out from now on.

The big reveal is spoiled in the trailers, and it come pretty early on. It would've been better had it been delayed a little, after the 2 characters had spent more time together and a few scenes of Greta acting crazy at times to have Frances grow some suspicion.

But the main problem is how illogical/stupid the other characters are, beginning with Frances either unable or unwilling to block Greta's number despite the obvious problems, and upping the ante with the ending.

All the ridiculousness is summed up one face-palm worthy quote: "What do we tell the police?" Gee, what actually happened might be a good idea.

I have been in this well of loneliness, this black hole. Maybe it drove me a little mad. We were meant for love, Frances, not this terrible isolation.

If you see the film "Greta" pass by on your favorite streaming platform or on some VOD network service, it's certainly not a bad choice to fill up an hour and a half of your spare time. The film itself is certainly not groundbreaking or breathtakingly innovative. This Hitchcock-like thriller provides temporary entertainment. And the only thing you'll remember of it is the acting. Unfortunately, an important clue is given away very early at the beginning of the film, making it extremely clear which direction it's going to go.

Let me get straight to the point. Isabelle Huppert is simply fantastic as Greta. A friendly-looking widow, living somewhere in New York in a lovely little house stuck between apartments, who spends her lonely days with everyday things. Her husband has died and her daughter is studying at a conservatory in France. The other main role is taken in by Chloë Grace Moretz. She plays Frances. A young adult who works as a waitress in a chic restaurant and leads a carefree life together with her best friend Erica (Maika Monroe). She's an adorable girl and sincere. And just like Greta, she has to deal with the sorrow of a loss. Her mother died of cancer the year before.

It all starts with Frances finding a handbag on the metro. Since she's as honest as the day is long, she decides to return this precious item to the rightful owner. Despite the loud protest from her friend Erica ("Okay, this is Manhattan. You find a bag, you call bomb squad") who would rather pay for a wellness weekend with the money found in it. However, Frances doesn't realize that she will soon end up in a spiral of psychological intimidation and outright stalking. A maddening, unlivable situation that will convince her that when she comes across such a handbag once again, she'll kick it in the Upper Bay. It starts as a close friendship between two soulmates. And that includes going for a walk together, getting a dog and doing some cooking. Afterward, it seems to be nothing more than a charade. A scenario sprouted from the mad brain of Greta.

It's the acting of both actresses that lifts this film just above average. The storyline, on the other hand, isn't of the same level. In terms of style, it's not too original and the film follows the laid path made by several films from the past. Even the attempt, in the end, to send you off in the wrong direction, wasn't clever enough. So don't expect a thriller that can be compared with "Single white female" for instance. You'll witness a psychological joust between the two main characters. It's brilliant to see how such a lovely, old lady can turn into an ice-cold, crazy and sadistic woman. And this with the same facial expressions. For that alone, it's worth giving this average film a chance.

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In GRETA, Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz) happens upon a lost handbag on the subway, and decides to simply return it to its owner, the older woman of the title (Isabelle Huppert). Frances strikes up a friendship with Greta, who is lonely and sort of reminds her of her late mother. All is well until Frances makes a bizarre, terrifying discovery.

This movie plays with the idea of being seriously targeted by someone who is doing it out in the open, while the law is unable to stop the perpetrator, and even protects them. It's pretty infuriating, and leads up to a final nightmare for Frances.

Ms. Huppert's character is exquisitely demented. Her unflinching portrayal is chilling. Ms. Moretz plays a kindly woman in an unbearable situation. While Frances is rather wimpy, she does rise up at one point, causing some damage to her tormentor. Not a bad movie at all, although the finale is a bit abrupt...

A little like "fatal attraction," or "misery," and a lot predictable. BUT, the acting is really good and it has some genuine creepiness to it without the gore, sex, swearing, and jump scares that most modern horror movies desperately resort to. Solid and entertaining.