Greta – Review

Directed by: Neil Jordan

Runtime: 98 minutes

If there’s one thing I like, it’s stories about obsession. Whiplash? Yes, please. Black Swan? Can I have some more? You? That’s what I’m talking about.

With that in mind, I went in excited to watch Greta. If you find that you enjoy films best when all of the surprises are hidden, stop reading now (give us a like though). Also don’t watch the trailer, because it’s the film condensed into two minutes.

Greta stars Isabelle Huppert as the title character and Chloë Grace Moretz as Frances, a young woman new to New York and searching for peace after her mother’s death. When Frances finds Greta’s purse on the subway and goes out of her way to return it to the older woman, she inadvertently begins a dangerous relationship that reaches an intense and harrowing finale.

Look, I’m going to be honest with you: I didn’t love Greta.

Without revealing too much, it was frustrating to see characters act against their own interests for the sake of the plot. I found it completely shocking that Frances (played by a strong, healthy and robust Moretz in her prime) could not overpower the frail, five-foot Greta. “Whack her in the face!” I whispered with irritation at one point.

Parts of the script seemed expository or just didn’t make any sense, like Moretz’s continued contact with Greta later in the film. One point in the film that I’ll avoid spoiling (but you’ll spot it), delivered an odd “twist” that felt predictable and unnecessary. What followed was a lagging third act that admittedly was picked up by a harrowing and unexpected climax and resolution.

I also didn’t love Moretz’s Frances, although that often stemmed from oddly stilted dialogue delivered with her usual naïve murmur.

On a more positive note, Huppert was dreadfully creepy and weird. A combination of that nice lady next door who makes cakes and recommends French films mixed with a possessed doll. Maika Monroe as Erica, Frances’ best friend, played the role of rich heiress with enough interesting nuance to break the typical clichés of such a role. Seamus McGarvey’s cinematography was lush and rich, full of beautiful close-ups that did wonders in bringing out the nuance of the actors’ performances.

Greta was a very interesting female-led film. While I wish that elements of Frances’ relationships were given more attention, I do have to say that the film did a great job of painting a realistic friendship between Frances and Erica, one that isn’t often seen in the horror or thriller genres. I do hope that it’s a move towards greater attention to the nuance of female friendship.

All in all, give Greta a watch. Judging by the reactions around me (and sometimes, my own thumping heart), it has enough to keep you interested and hooked. While at times, you might find yourself pulled out of the action by odd plot choices, overall it is an enjoyable enough film with good performances that will compel you to keep watching.