The story follows a recent divorcee who spends her daily commute fantasizing about a seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes daily, but something shocking happens there one day.
The story follows a recent divorcee who spends her daily commute fantasizing about a seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes daily, but something shocking happens there one day.
This 2021 Indian adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel takes viewers on a familiar journey – a troubled woman gets entangled in a mystery after witnessing a shocking event. However, “The Girl on the Train” stumbles in its execution, failing to capture the psychological depth and suspense of the original story.
Parineeti Chopra portrays Mira, the alcoholic divorcee who becomes fixated on a seemingly perfect couple she observes from her daily train commute. When she witnesses something unsettling at their house, she gets pulled into a complex web of secrets and lies. While Chopra delivers a committed performance, the script relies heavily on melodrama and overused tropes, making Mira’s character feel less nuanced compared to the source material.
The film further deviates from the original narrative by introducing unnecessary twists and subplots that ultimately dilute the central mystery. The supporting cast, including Aditi Rao Hydari and Kirti Kulhari, are unfortunately underutilized, leaving their characters underdeveloped and their contributions to the story minimal.
While the premise holds promise, “The Girl on the Train” ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying viewing experience. The film lacks the emotional complexity and suspenseful atmosphere that made the book a success.
**Score: 2 out of 5**