Want to hear more from the actors and creators of your favorite shows and films? Subscribe to The Cinema Spot on YouTube for all of our upcoming interviews!
A small Chamoru girl with big dreams!
Netflix’s dark comedy satire thriller mystery series, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window, is a long title that somewhat describes the length of how the first couple of episodes feels. The show stars Kristen Bell playing the role of Anna, and it is for sure not the same Anna that you have seen her portray in Disney’s Frozen. This Anna, in fact, does share the same “delusional”, “quirky”, and “lonesome” traits, but in a much more adult-themed psychological thriller.
With the creativity of Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson, and Larry Dorf, and the producing talents from Kristen Bell (who also plays the protagonist), Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Brittney Segal, the plot of the show will keep you on your toes with all of its captivating mysteries.
Plot Summary
Anna Whitaker (Bell), a divorcee and mourning mother, is The Woman in the House‘s leading character. Her journey is followed through many glasses of wine, book reading, and impressive detective skills, as she “people watches” through her window. She becomes acquainted with a handsome neighbor (Tom Riley), and from there makes it a goal to turn her life around until she sees a murder… or believes she does. The book she reads is titled The Woman in the Lake, a novel by Nicola Cornick which seems to be something to allude to when it comes to her initial thoughts about what is going on in the house across her, and it is uncertain whether or not her imagination is running wild, or if everything is potentially real.
Discussion
This eight-episode Netflix series becomes binge-worthy after the lengthy introductions. Although, as you go on, it will have you wanting a second season due to its satirical way of perpetuating fear, discomfort, and just the right amount of seriousness. The Woman in the House portrays irony in the fact that the tone is very serious and grave with hints of bad acting to lighten the mood. It is easy to believe that the cliche performances of the show (like Bell and Riley touching hands and supposedly falling in love) were meant to be there, considering all of the A-list actors that star in it.
Other themes contain some sensitive topics, such as drug use and lots and lots of wine, where Anna confides in her wine as a way to keep her sane. Although, does mixing it with her pills do the exact opposite, or does it make her more aware? Considering the trauma that Anna had gone through, it is not a question as to why she consumes contraband in the most unsustainable way. However, it seems as if her credibility is quite low around her neighborhood because of this. There is a multitude of instances that Anna’s emotions got the best of her, and she presented herself in many negative ways. It seems as if her mind takes her to take life very pessimistically, and she has no hope about how she can improve her life without a partner and child.
Some other sensitive topics of the show include somewhat of a vendetta toward people who struggle with their mental health; the neighborhood pins the murder on either false alarm of what Anna saw or that she is a suspect because of her claims.
Final Thoughts on The Woman in the House…
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window will make you laugh in the most macabre way while having you at the edge of your seat as you pose curiosity about what is to happen next. It is truly one of the best emotional rollercoasters you could put yourself on, with great elements of surprise that you would not be expecting. Be sure to watch this series with a friend or family member in the room with you, as you wouldn’t want to be alone after watching an episode.. unless you live for the adrenaline rush.
A small Chamoru girl with big dreams!
13 Comments on “Netflix’s ‘The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window’ Series Non-Spoiler Review”