'Greta'—A Movie Review

It’s essential in life to make friends. Just be sure that they’re not a psychopath taking pictures of your every move.

Greta is a 2019 thriller drama directed by Neil Jordan. After returning a lost handbag, an unlikely friendship is established between two women. However, something is off about Greta. Though avoiding the woman, Greta endlessly stalks poor Frances. It’s only a matter of time before the situation can get out of hand.

Greta is a well-acted thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was honestly surprised, thinking that it was going to be one of those predictable stalker films. Although it ran on the usual thriller cliches, the film was genuinely suspenseful.

Chloe Grace Moretz has acted in a number of movies to which she has improved in every picture. Her role as Frances is a mixture of a sweet girl having to take control, while at the same time surviving for her life. Moretz outdid herself in moments of terror. However, her own naivety got on my nerves. Frances could have solved her own problems if she went to the police earlier, or blocked Greta’s number.

As the titular role, Isabelle Huppert even catches you off guard in her eerie performance. I have never seen a film with one of Huppert’s performances. One of my favorite elements of this movie is that the characters have to act through acting.

Huppert was not a disappointment. It actually felt as if she was staring you down with her dark eyes. Although she is the villain, you actually can’t wait to see her again to see what she ends up doing next. One of her best performances is the restaurant scene.

Maika Monroe stars as Erica, Frances’ close friend with street smarts. Her character is meant to be the voice of reason. It’s kind of ironic, seeing how she doesn’t make the best decisions. And yet she comes through winning the greatest friend award.

Set in New York City, audiences are treated to the beautiful nightlife. Be very careful when living in a big city. I like how the film subconsciously teaches viewers that you can never be too careful. Don’t trust every face. Living on your own is tough. Make healthy decisions, and always look out for yourself.

The setting also felt more old fashioned, rather than a modern time period. Whether that was intentional or not, it works. Greta is trapped in the past. Another moral this story talks about for only a minute is moving on. The writers should have expanded on that important arc, because it could have made an important character study, preferably in Moretz’s case.

Greta does a fantastic job with the editing. Some shots change in a matter of seconds, instantly startling you. And that’s the effect the film was going for; it’s unpredictable.

The pace was a little fast, especially with the relationship between Frances and Greta. I wanted to know more about Greta’s obsession with Frances, and if it has been a reoccurring event.

Some scenes acted as unneeded filler. The ending was also getting a little corny. Dialogue could have been written better. The writers did an incredible job with one scene, even the layout. My jaw collapsed to the floor!

Greta may not be for all audiences, especially the idea of a stalker. Chloe Grace Moretz and Isabella Huppert are the best parts of the movie. Greta is still a suspenseful, enjoyable film.

Give it a chance. I suggest that you avoid watching the trailer. It spoils important twists. Greta will make you think twice about seeing a lost purse on a subway.