The Neighbor

I enjoyed this film for many reasons: its a simple, well written story of a good samaritan caught in a tragic thought process. It is told from a single point of view, and everything about the writing and direction of the film remains true to it. This is a contemplative character piece, not a weekend blockbuster. It is going to be slower by nature, but ultimately appreciated by cinephiles.

This is the best acting performance I've ever seen William Fichtner do. And let me say first, this film is not what I was expecting- but I loved it. It's marketed as a thriller, but it's definitely more of a slow burn drama about a man who is unhappy with his life and becomes infatuated/obsessed with his young female neighbor who has her own problems. Never seen this actress before but wow, she's incredible. And somehow Michael Rosenbaum's character is both vile and charming simultaneously. Highly recommend watching this as a fantastic piece of film, acting, characters, and storyline. Just don't go in thinking it's some crazy thriller movie.

From the looks of the movie poster, I thought it would be an exciting thriller with enough mystery and suspense to give you an edge-of-your-seat experience. Instead, what we got was a mediocre movie about a man named Mike (William Fichtner), who likes to garden, finding himself getting smitten with a younger woman who moves in next door with her hot-tempered boyfriend.

Fichtner portrayed his Mike character to be very shy, meek, and mild; however, the results was painfully awkward. You actually feel uncomfortable to be in Fichtner's shoes and you cannot really tell if it was just bad acting or if that is how the character was supposed to be.

While there are some mysterious moments in the movie, including the suspicions of abuse in the hands of the young woman's boyfriend, much of the movie gives you the run around, hinting at excitement and traction but resulting in anti-climatic deliveries. And, much of the supporting characters weren't sympathetic. Mike's wife (Jean Louisa Kelly) was an unforgiving annoying little thing and his son (Colin Woodell) served no purpose in the movie. Mike's friend Brian (Erich Anderson) was an irritating jerk who cusses like a sailor, trying too hard insert some macho-ness in the movie.

Overall, the film is slow with no traction.

Grade D.

At the bottom it's asking me if I am revealing any spoilers? Let me tell you I really wish I had a spoiler to reveal, like in ending. I was pleasantly surprised by William Fitchners character. He is usually the rogue FBI guy or the bad guy etc. etc. but in this movie he was very mild mannered very shy very meek I have never seen this side to him before. I loved this part for him and he played it beautifully. What I didn't like was not knowing what happened after he sat down and looked at his tomato. I didn't know If he was suicidal I didn't know if he was going to go back to the house and say hey I was defending myself or if his wife was going to come in and be the wife that she is or the Alex blah blah blah or if The car salesman was going to possibly show up in a skirt with a wig because you know he can pull that off really well. I'm just angry because I'm sick and tired of movies that don't have an ending to them or an ending that makes any sense William Fechner, You are awesome you played your part beautifully it was really nice to see you as a good guy🐾💕

There isn't much to this movie at all. Just a old neighbor staring at a young hot chick. Did I miss something but to me it seemed like the guy Mike was slow or had some kind of illness. He moved kinda like a robot. Nothing was ever mentioned maybe I missed it.