The Woman in the Window

“Does her eye deceive her?”

“The Woman in the Window” tells the story of a troubled protagonist/antagonistic heroine Anna Fox (Amy Adams), who is an agoraphobic child psychologist who uses her obsession with keeping tabs on her neighbors and prying into their personal lives as a coping mechanism to avoid her own issues. Her seemingly sad yet complicated life is forever changed when she witnesses a violent murder, or did she?

That’s the dizzying setup for this tense thriller.

Let’s start with the acting, Amy Adams, completely makes the film. She gained weight for the role, and, while still recognizable, her physical change is impressive. Gary Oldman, an amazing actor, makes ample work of the character; I was left wanting more of him in this film. Julianne Moore’s role is an important one, and she does a great job.

This film is based on a book by A.J. Finn, which would explain why the plot, while complex, is executed so well. Cinematography is high-end theater quality, enjoyable to the eye.

The biggest issue for me is the abuse of prescription medications and drinking in this film. There is also a lot of foul language and violence with blood shown. There are also mentions of infidelity which is plot driven.

One Biblical reminder kept coming to my mind—the importance of a sober mind. The film displays the adverse impact of the main character’s insobriety, and of course this rings true Biblically.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” —Peter 5:8

We, as Christians, are in spiritual warfare, and there is a scene that somewhat visually shows the battle we face. There is also a concurrent lesson about wanting to tune out God and seek things of the world, which leaves us empty and open to attack from the enemy.

As for a recommendation, considering everything listed above, it’s a pass. The storyline is good, with a few surprises, but there is simply too much objectionable content.

• Drugs/Alcohol: Extreme
• Violence: Very Heavy
• Vulgar/Crude language: Very Heavy— • “motherf***er” • other F-words (11) • S-words (6) • “P*ssed” • “B*tch” • “He’s getting off on controlling me”
• Profane language: Heavy— • “Jesus” (3) • “G*d d*mn” • “d*mn” • “G*d” (3) • “hell” (3)
• Nudity: Moderately Heavy— • Woman in bra • Woman’s bare breast (brief, partial view) revealed in partly open robe • Woman in bathtub (side view—head and shoulders) • Cleavage
• Sex: Moderately Heavy— • Comment made by arguing couple: “The one f***ing the other person is to blame.” • Two comments about a man sleeping with another man’s mom
• Occult: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.