Poor, unimaginative and illogical script. Protagonists continuously made unrealistically silly decisions and everything always end up with the worst possible result. I know we have to suspend disbelief to enjoy works of fiction but come on...there still needs to be a semblance in reality of how folks make decisions and odds play out. Sequence of events were so far fetched that it was obvious the writer/s were simply trying to keep story going to fill an average movie run time. The mere fact that victim, a younger and fitter female can not overcome the villain, an old and frail lady, sums up the irrationality of this film.
477 Reviews
Dragged down by too much nonsense
piggulu4 March 2019
Fairly straightfoward and predictable, but nonetheless Huppert brings a chilling performance as the unhinged title character that may make you wary of helping strangers out from now on.
The big reveal is spoiled in the trailers, and it come pretty early on. It would've been better had it been delayed a little, after the 2 characters had spent more time together and a few scenes of Greta acting crazy at times to have Frances grow some suspicion.
But the main problem is how illogical/stupid the other characters are, beginning with Frances either unable or unwilling to block Greta's number despite the obvious problems, and upping the ante with the ending.
All the ridiculousness is summed up one face-palm worthy quote: "What do we tell the police?" Gee, what actually happened might be a good idea.
The big reveal is spoiled in the trailers, and it come pretty early on. It would've been better had it been delayed a little, after the 2 characters had spent more time together and a few scenes of Greta acting crazy at times to have Frances grow some suspicion.
But the main problem is how illogical/stupid the other characters are, beginning with Frances either unable or unwilling to block Greta's number despite the obvious problems, and upping the ante with the ending.
All the ridiculousness is summed up one face-palm worthy quote: "What do we tell the police?" Gee, what actually happened might be a good idea.
The female lead actors act superbly. Unfortunately it's a so-so story.
peterp-450-29871628 August 2019
I have been in this well of loneliness, this black hole.
Maybe it drove me a little mad.
We were meant for love, Frances,
not this terrible isolation.
If you see the film "Greta" pass by on your favorite streaming platform or on some VOD network service, it's certainly not a bad choice to fill up an hour and a half of your spare time. The film itself is certainly not groundbreaking or breathtakingly innovative. This Hitchcock-like thriller provides temporary entertainment. And the only thing you'll remember of it is the acting. Unfortunately, an important clue is given away very early at the beginning of the film, making it extremely clear which direction it's going to go.
Let me get straight to the point. Isabelle Huppert is simply fantastic as Greta. A friendly-looking widow, living somewhere in New York in a lovely little house stuck between apartments, who spends her lonely days with everyday things. Her husband has died and her daughter is studying at a conservatory in France. The other main role is taken in by Chloë Grace Moretz. She plays Frances. A young adult who works as a waitress in a chic restaurant and leads a carefree life together with her best friend Erica (Maika Monroe). She's an adorable girl and sincere. And just like Greta, she has to deal with the sorrow of a loss. Her mother died of cancer the year before.
It all starts with Frances finding a handbag on the metro. Since she's as honest as the day is long, she decides to return this precious item to the rightful owner. Despite the loud protest from her friend Erica ("Okay, this is Manhattan. You find a bag, you call bomb squad") who would rather pay for a wellness weekend with the money found in it. However, Frances doesn't realize that she will soon end up in a spiral of psychological intimidation and outright stalking. A maddening, unlivable situation that will convince her that when she comes across such a handbag once again, she'll kick it in the Upper Bay. It starts as a close friendship between two soulmates. And that includes going for a walk together, getting a dog and doing some cooking. Afterward, it seems to be nothing more than a charade. A scenario sprouted from the mad brain of Greta.
It's the acting of both actresses that lifts this film just above average. The storyline, on the other hand, isn't of the same level. In terms of style, it's not too original and the film follows the laid path made by several films from the past. Even the attempt, in the end, to send you off in the wrong direction, wasn't clever enough. So don't expect a thriller that can be compared with "Single white female" for instance. You'll witness a psychological joust between the two main characters. It's brilliant to see how such a lovely, old lady can turn into an ice-cold, crazy and sadistic woman. And this with the same facial expressions. For that alone, it's worth giving this average film a chance.
More reviews here: movie-freak.be
If you see the film "Greta" pass by on your favorite streaming platform or on some VOD network service, it's certainly not a bad choice to fill up an hour and a half of your spare time. The film itself is certainly not groundbreaking or breathtakingly innovative. This Hitchcock-like thriller provides temporary entertainment. And the only thing you'll remember of it is the acting. Unfortunately, an important clue is given away very early at the beginning of the film, making it extremely clear which direction it's going to go.
Let me get straight to the point. Isabelle Huppert is simply fantastic as Greta. A friendly-looking widow, living somewhere in New York in a lovely little house stuck between apartments, who spends her lonely days with everyday things. Her husband has died and her daughter is studying at a conservatory in France. The other main role is taken in by Chloë Grace Moretz. She plays Frances. A young adult who works as a waitress in a chic restaurant and leads a carefree life together with her best friend Erica (Maika Monroe). She's an adorable girl and sincere. And just like Greta, she has to deal with the sorrow of a loss. Her mother died of cancer the year before.
It all starts with Frances finding a handbag on the metro. Since she's as honest as the day is long, she decides to return this precious item to the rightful owner. Despite the loud protest from her friend Erica ("Okay, this is Manhattan. You find a bag, you call bomb squad") who would rather pay for a wellness weekend with the money found in it. However, Frances doesn't realize that she will soon end up in a spiral of psychological intimidation and outright stalking. A maddening, unlivable situation that will convince her that when she comes across such a handbag once again, she'll kick it in the Upper Bay. It starts as a close friendship between two soulmates. And that includes going for a walk together, getting a dog and doing some cooking. Afterward, it seems to be nothing more than a charade. A scenario sprouted from the mad brain of Greta.
It's the acting of both actresses that lifts this film just above average. The storyline, on the other hand, isn't of the same level. In terms of style, it's not too original and the film follows the laid path made by several films from the past. Even the attempt, in the end, to send you off in the wrong direction, wasn't clever enough. So don't expect a thriller that can be compared with "Single white female" for instance. You'll witness a psychological joust between the two main characters. It's brilliant to see how such a lovely, old lady can turn into an ice-cold, crazy and sadistic woman. And this with the same facial expressions. For that alone, it's worth giving this average film a chance.
More reviews here: movie-freak.be
Why???
Just-A-Girl-1410 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was so great until they spoiled it with too much stupidity. Why the hell did they do that??
CAREFUL: SPOILERS ALERT!
First half was really good. At first it seemed that Frances (a nice young woman mourning her mother's death) and Greta (a lonely old lady) are forming a close friendship. It seemed like they both found something in each other that was missing from their lives. Then things take a turn for the worst when Frances finds out that their accidental encounter was not an accident at all. Greta then show her real crazy self, stalking Frances and the people closed to her. Frances is doing everything she's supposed to do (ignoring Greta's calls, calling the cops, asking for legal advice etc) but it seems she just can't get rid of Greta. Up to this point, all is good. Isabelle Huppert is doing a great job playing the role of the crazy old lady. I mean, there's no reason to fear an old lady right? Wrong. Greta was really giving me the creeps. Chloë Grace Moretz is also good. I was intrigued.
Then, about half way through the movie, something changed. It's like the writers were out of ideas so they made every character act like an idiot. After the scene in the restaurant, which ended with Greta being forcefully removed and committed. Frances decides to apologize to Greta and pretend to be her friend again. What?? Why???
First, Greta is crazy not stupid. Second, this is the part were you go to court and ask for a restraining order. Greta has literally given her everything she needs. She has phone records, text messages, testimonies from coworkers, photos Greta herself sent to Frances in which she is following Erica, police reports and to top all that, the scene in the restaurant which gave her all the evidence she could possibly need. Why on earth would she now decides all of a sudden to change her approach and try to fake it? It doesn't make any sense!
Then comes the very unrealistic scene in which Greta is kidnapping Frances. How did she get inside the apartment? If Frances can walk, why can't she ask for help? Is no one around paying attention to the half unconscious young woman? Why wasn't Erica worried when she came back to the apartment and Frances was gone? Why would she leave without saying goodbye? Why wasn't Frances fighting for her life when she was locked in the room? Why break a chair and knock on the door when there are so many things in the room she can use as a weapon once Greta comes back? And when she finally did fight, why do half a job? She cut off her finger (btw, a totally unnecessary gory scene) and knocked her unconscious, why not finish the job to make sure she can't hurt you anymore? And if she chose to run, why didn't she break the giant window next to the front door (and the part of the door that was glass)? Why would she go down to the basement? It's so stupid, it's just too hard to buy. Also, once the father and roommate realize Frances is gone, meaning she's in trouble, why not go to the police? Why did the father hire a private detective? The police knows who Greta is. They had her arrested and forcefully committed to a mental hospital. What do you need a PI for? And why would he go to her house alone? Why did she shot him (she could have killed him with the drugs, it's way less messy)? Why didn't anyone hear the shots? Where are the neighbors?
Then comes the last scene. It was cool, I'll admit I liked the idea that the friend would set up Greta but what are the chances she would ever find another bag in the subway? Why bother? Why not call the police? Why search on her own? And of course, once she finds out where Greta lives (hard to believe she didn't know it already, but whatever), why go there alone?
Too much stupidity, unanswered questions and plot holes. It's such a shame. It started out so good. Why ruin a good idea with ridiculous behavior and so much stupidity? This movie had everything working for it. Good concept, good actors, all it needed is a more logical second half. They should have worked harder on the script. It wasn't an Oscar winning movie anyways so what happened? Were they out of ideas or were they trying too hard to come up with a twist? Can't a movie just be what it is? Instead of so much stupidity, I would have liked to learn more about Greta's history. What made her so crazy? It didn't start with her daughter's death, so what was it? Why did she mistreated her own daughter? Why did she fake the French accent? There is no explanation to her behavior! I'm disappointed. This should have been a good movie and it wasn't... ):
Btw, killing the dog was totally unnecessary. What was that for? Also, there was no Human Association Logo at the end and that's disappointing to me as an animal lover.
CAREFUL: SPOILERS ALERT!
First half was really good. At first it seemed that Frances (a nice young woman mourning her mother's death) and Greta (a lonely old lady) are forming a close friendship. It seemed like they both found something in each other that was missing from their lives. Then things take a turn for the worst when Frances finds out that their accidental encounter was not an accident at all. Greta then show her real crazy self, stalking Frances and the people closed to her. Frances is doing everything she's supposed to do (ignoring Greta's calls, calling the cops, asking for legal advice etc) but it seems she just can't get rid of Greta. Up to this point, all is good. Isabelle Huppert is doing a great job playing the role of the crazy old lady. I mean, there's no reason to fear an old lady right? Wrong. Greta was really giving me the creeps. Chloë Grace Moretz is also good. I was intrigued.
Then, about half way through the movie, something changed. It's like the writers were out of ideas so they made every character act like an idiot. After the scene in the restaurant, which ended with Greta being forcefully removed and committed. Frances decides to apologize to Greta and pretend to be her friend again. What?? Why???
First, Greta is crazy not stupid. Second, this is the part were you go to court and ask for a restraining order. Greta has literally given her everything she needs. She has phone records, text messages, testimonies from coworkers, photos Greta herself sent to Frances in which she is following Erica, police reports and to top all that, the scene in the restaurant which gave her all the evidence she could possibly need. Why on earth would she now decides all of a sudden to change her approach and try to fake it? It doesn't make any sense!
Then comes the very unrealistic scene in which Greta is kidnapping Frances. How did she get inside the apartment? If Frances can walk, why can't she ask for help? Is no one around paying attention to the half unconscious young woman? Why wasn't Erica worried when she came back to the apartment and Frances was gone? Why would she leave without saying goodbye? Why wasn't Frances fighting for her life when she was locked in the room? Why break a chair and knock on the door when there are so many things in the room she can use as a weapon once Greta comes back? And when she finally did fight, why do half a job? She cut off her finger (btw, a totally unnecessary gory scene) and knocked her unconscious, why not finish the job to make sure she can't hurt you anymore? And if she chose to run, why didn't she break the giant window next to the front door (and the part of the door that was glass)? Why would she go down to the basement? It's so stupid, it's just too hard to buy. Also, once the father and roommate realize Frances is gone, meaning she's in trouble, why not go to the police? Why did the father hire a private detective? The police knows who Greta is. They had her arrested and forcefully committed to a mental hospital. What do you need a PI for? And why would he go to her house alone? Why did she shot him (she could have killed him with the drugs, it's way less messy)? Why didn't anyone hear the shots? Where are the neighbors?
Then comes the last scene. It was cool, I'll admit I liked the idea that the friend would set up Greta but what are the chances she would ever find another bag in the subway? Why bother? Why not call the police? Why search on her own? And of course, once she finds out where Greta lives (hard to believe she didn't know it already, but whatever), why go there alone?
Too much stupidity, unanswered questions and plot holes. It's such a shame. It started out so good. Why ruin a good idea with ridiculous behavior and so much stupidity? This movie had everything working for it. Good concept, good actors, all it needed is a more logical second half. They should have worked harder on the script. It wasn't an Oscar winning movie anyways so what happened? Were they out of ideas or were they trying too hard to come up with a twist? Can't a movie just be what it is? Instead of so much stupidity, I would have liked to learn more about Greta's history. What made her so crazy? It didn't start with her daughter's death, so what was it? Why did she mistreated her own daughter? Why did she fake the French accent? There is no explanation to her behavior! I'm disappointed. This should have been a good movie and it wasn't... ):
Btw, killing the dog was totally unnecessary. What was that for? Also, there was no Human Association Logo at the end and that's disappointing to me as an animal lover.
Decent
sassa_1110 September 2018
The acting was great and there was definitely some real suspense created but also a lot of cliche and unbelievable things occurred (mostly things secondary to the plot actually).
I felt that the movie could have been shorter/ended earlier.
Overall though the movie was very well acted and enjoyable. Left with a slightly different (and more cautious) view of the world.
A good flick for the weaker horror fans
lauren053129 June 2019
A little like "fatal attraction," or "misery," and a lot predictable. BUT, the acting is really good and it has some genuine creepiness to it without the gore, sex, swearing, and jump scares that most modern horror movies desperately resort to. Solid and entertaining.
don't touch that purse
ferguson-628 February 2019
Greetings again from the darkness. "Don't touch anything on the subway." That should be a warning posted in all New York City tourist brochures. Recent NYC transplant Frances didn't get the memo. She not only picks up a "lost" handbag, but also wants to personally return it to the rightful owner - despite the counseling of her streetwise roommate. Oscar winning director Neil Jordan (THE CRYING GAME) co-wrote the screenplay with Ray Wright, and they blend in many elements ... not the least of which is making friends with someone you shouldn't.
Chloe Grace Moretz plays Frances as the good-hearted Boston-raised girl who is almost too innocent to believe, given the day and age we are in. When Frances returns the purse, she is greeted warmly and appreciatively by a kindly Greta (Isabelle Huppert). The two bond over their individual loneliness: Greta says her daughter lives abroad, and Frances' mother passed away about a year ago. It's easy to see how a friendship forms through a substitute mother-daughter gap-filling.
An accidental discovery by Frances sends her out the door, intent on cutting ties with Greta. What Frances soon learns is that Greta is a crafty psychopath of the highest order. It's at this point where filmmaker Jordan kicks in the twisted, dark humor and serves us a cheap-thrills ride via a full blown stalker movie. Greta is truly deranged and once Ms. Huppert cuts loose, we see how much fun she's having. She even plays a piano teacher, which is kind of funny since she was also the piano teacher in THE PIANO TEACHER (2001). She becomes my first and favorite Liszt loving psychopath, who likely isn't as technologically challenged as she makes out.
There are stylistic and story elements reminiscent of movies like FATAL ATTRACTION and SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, and Jordan's camera angles and lighting combine with Javier Navarrete's score to dish up some B-movie type comically dark moments. Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS) is terrific as Frances' roommate. She's the direct type who tells Frances that "this city will eat you alive", but is also extremely supportive and protective (and good at yoga).
Stephen Rea and Colm Feore appear in limited roles, but the fun you have here is directly related to how you buy into the Greta vs Frances web. It's rare to see an onscreen female predator, but neither Mr. Jordan nor Ms. Huppert round off any edges. We are reminded that being nice doesn't always pay off, but having friends certainly does. There is some creepy evil fun to be had, as well as a key life lesson: never trust a woman with too many purses.
Chloe Grace Moretz plays Frances as the good-hearted Boston-raised girl who is almost too innocent to believe, given the day and age we are in. When Frances returns the purse, she is greeted warmly and appreciatively by a kindly Greta (Isabelle Huppert). The two bond over their individual loneliness: Greta says her daughter lives abroad, and Frances' mother passed away about a year ago. It's easy to see how a friendship forms through a substitute mother-daughter gap-filling.
An accidental discovery by Frances sends her out the door, intent on cutting ties with Greta. What Frances soon learns is that Greta is a crafty psychopath of the highest order. It's at this point where filmmaker Jordan kicks in the twisted, dark humor and serves us a cheap-thrills ride via a full blown stalker movie. Greta is truly deranged and once Ms. Huppert cuts loose, we see how much fun she's having. She even plays a piano teacher, which is kind of funny since she was also the piano teacher in THE PIANO TEACHER (2001). She becomes my first and favorite Liszt loving psychopath, who likely isn't as technologically challenged as she makes out.
There are stylistic and story elements reminiscent of movies like FATAL ATTRACTION and SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, and Jordan's camera angles and lighting combine with Javier Navarrete's score to dish up some B-movie type comically dark moments. Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS) is terrific as Frances' roommate. She's the direct type who tells Frances that "this city will eat you alive", but is also extremely supportive and protective (and good at yoga).
Stephen Rea and Colm Feore appear in limited roles, but the fun you have here is directly related to how you buy into the Greta vs Frances web. It's rare to see an onscreen female predator, but neither Mr. Jordan nor Ms. Huppert round off any edges. We are reminded that being nice doesn't always pay off, but having friends certainly does. There is some creepy evil fun to be had, as well as a key life lesson: never trust a woman with too many purses.
"Greta is one of those thrillers where you see almost every twist coming, but the actors are so into it that you still get sucked in." - Gregory Ellwood
Bored_Dragon4 May 2023
A young waitress (Chloë Grace Moretz) finds a woman's purse forgotten in the subway and decides to return it to its owner. A grateful elderly widow (Isabelle Huppert) invites her in for coffee, which our heroine accepts, not suspecting what lies behind the seemingly harmless facade of the lonely piano teacher.
"Greta" is a psychological thriller that does not bring us anything new and original, and the actions of the characters are often irritatingly illogical and unreasonable, which is one of the characteristics of most horror films, a genre with which director Neil Jordan consciously flirts. Although from the start everything hints that the film is not worth watching, Chloë (this genre suits her best) and Isabelle gave themselves so much to their roles that I simply couldn't give up on it until the end
"Greta" is a film that drowns in mediocrity and clichés in every aspect, but it is pulled out by the impressive acting of Chloë and Isabelle, which is why I have to recommend it and rate it in the upper half of the scale.
7/10.
"Greta" is a psychological thriller that does not bring us anything new and original, and the actions of the characters are often irritatingly illogical and unreasonable, which is one of the characteristics of most horror films, a genre with which director Neil Jordan consciously flirts. Although from the start everything hints that the film is not worth watching, Chloë (this genre suits her best) and Isabelle gave themselves so much to their roles that I simply couldn't give up on it until the end
"Greta" is a film that drowns in mediocrity and clichés in every aspect, but it is pulled out by the impressive acting of Chloë and Isabelle, which is why I have to recommend it and rate it in the upper half of the scale.
7/10.
Regretta
st-shot4 March 2019
Boston innocent Francis McCullin (Chloe Moretz) finds a woman's handbag on a NY subway and decides to return it against the advice of her hip roommate Erica (Maika Monroe) to Greta Hedig (Isabelle Huppert) a middle aged French woman living in Brooklyn. It is apparent early that there is something odd about Greta but Franny perhaps looking for a mother figure avoids the warning sign until she discovers a fact that cannot get her away from the banshee fast enough. Greta begins to stalk her openly after being rejected and since all of NYC is willing to turn a blind eye to her disturbing obsession allows Greta to kidnap and torture
accommodating rube Franny who disappears without a trace.
Stretching credulity beyond its breaking point about half an hour into the story, Greta is an insipid thriller that asks you to swallow an awful lot of absurdity in its attempt at modern day Gothic horror of psychopath hiding in plain sight. Neil Jordan' script and direction is abysmal from the get go with his enigmatic lynch pin revealed early forcing him to stack one semi-suspenseless, contrived scene on top of one another with wide eyed gullible Fran doing her requisite bungling to get her in deeper. Break a full window to escape? No way, run down into the dark basement and try and climb up an out a window a fraction of its size instead.
Moretz's dense Franny is all whine and whimper to a point of annoying. The usually excellent Huppert is anything but, her performance stilted and a touch comatose. Given her pedigree I expected more out of Greta but with the script going adrift early it is little more than a poorly edited sloppy slasher that is overlong at 99 minutes.
Stretching credulity beyond its breaking point about half an hour into the story, Greta is an insipid thriller that asks you to swallow an awful lot of absurdity in its attempt at modern day Gothic horror of psychopath hiding in plain sight. Neil Jordan' script and direction is abysmal from the get go with his enigmatic lynch pin revealed early forcing him to stack one semi-suspenseless, contrived scene on top of one another with wide eyed gullible Fran doing her requisite bungling to get her in deeper. Break a full window to escape? No way, run down into the dark basement and try and climb up an out a window a fraction of its size instead.
Moretz's dense Franny is all whine and whimper to a point of annoying. The usually excellent Huppert is anything but, her performance stilted and a touch comatose. Given her pedigree I expected more out of Greta but with the script going adrift early it is little more than a poorly edited sloppy slasher that is overlong at 99 minutes.
A Handbag?
richardchatten4 December 2021
Even by her own standards Isabelle Huppert chills the spine in this incredible psychodrama as a crazy Hungarian tenaciously stalking Chloe Grace Moretz through the streets of New York.
The laconically unsettling mood recalls the director first film, 'Angel'; an impression reinforced by the presence of that film's original star, Stephen Rea. While (SLIGHT SPOILER COMING:) the scene in which Huppert looses the end of her little finger looks suspiciously like homage to Hitchcock's '39 Steps'.
The laconically unsettling mood recalls the director first film, 'Angel'; an impression reinforced by the presence of that film's original star, Stephen Rea. While (SLIGHT SPOILER COMING:) the scene in which Huppert looses the end of her little finger looks suspiciously like homage to Hitchcock's '39 Steps'.
Phenomenally Acted, But You've Seen It All Before
TheMovieDoctorful3 March 2019
The whole "eccentric stalker" psychological thriller sub genre has honestly jumped the shark. Few films in the genre do anything to set themselves apart or stay memorable or even interesting. Unfortunately, Greta can't seem to buck that trend, to the point of being painfully predictable. I found myself predicting major plot points and character beats way before they actually happened, negating any sort of suspense right off the bat. I get the commentary on the well intentioned naivety of the millennial generation, I get the commentary on how society exploits the "niceness" of young women, I get the thematic significance of the socio-economic disparity between Greta and Frances, I've just seen it all done before so many times and done far more interestingly.
The film also has serious problems with pacing. It moves far too fast for me to buy Greta's obsession with Frances and it felt jarring how quickly the film moved through their relationship. This really hurts the whole movie as a whole as reveals that should really leave an impact on me just end up falling flat.
Despite all of this, I still found myself entertained by Greta. A lot of that comes down to just how outstanding the acting performances were. Isabelle Huppert was the entire reason I went to go see this movie and she does not disappoint in the slightest, completely stealing the show as Greta. The class and sophistication that she brings to the role makes the character alluring, fascinating and even darkly likable despite the horrific and evil things she ends up doing. You can absolutely tell she's having a blast chewing the scenery and you can definitely see why Frances begins the film so drawn to her. That being said, when her darker nature is revealed, Huppert is genuinely terrifying in the focused madness that she brings to this character. Nobody could have played her better.
Chloe Grace Moertz is also very solid. She's always been a solid actress and that's no different here, bringing a real wide eyed sweetness and innocence to the character of Frances that constantly had me rooting for her to escape Greta's clutches. She gives off an almost Snow White-esque vibe where her kindness and capacity for unconditional trust almost becomes her downfall and Moertz is honestly quite charming in the role.
I was really impressed by Maika Monroe, which is something I never thought I would say. She brings a radiant confidence and strength to her role of Erica and her comedic timing is surprisingly on point as well. She can act! Who knew?
I'll also give credit to the visual direction. While the writing leaves much to be desired, Neil Jordan's elegant, Gothic sensibilities bring a real beauty and glamour to the production. This is a gorgeous looking film and Jordan definitely manages to capture the enchanting nature of New York City from the eyes of a young Bostonian girl.
Overall, Greta is worth a a watch for the performances and the direction, but it's hardly worth catching in theaters. This has Netflix written all over it and I'm not sure if it really even justified a theatrical release. That being said, it's still a decent enough thriller to watch. It's painfully cliched and completely predictable, but it's a watchable thriller all the same.
The film also has serious problems with pacing. It moves far too fast for me to buy Greta's obsession with Frances and it felt jarring how quickly the film moved through their relationship. This really hurts the whole movie as a whole as reveals that should really leave an impact on me just end up falling flat.
Despite all of this, I still found myself entertained by Greta. A lot of that comes down to just how outstanding the acting performances were. Isabelle Huppert was the entire reason I went to go see this movie and she does not disappoint in the slightest, completely stealing the show as Greta. The class and sophistication that she brings to the role makes the character alluring, fascinating and even darkly likable despite the horrific and evil things she ends up doing. You can absolutely tell she's having a blast chewing the scenery and you can definitely see why Frances begins the film so drawn to her. That being said, when her darker nature is revealed, Huppert is genuinely terrifying in the focused madness that she brings to this character. Nobody could have played her better.
Chloe Grace Moertz is also very solid. She's always been a solid actress and that's no different here, bringing a real wide eyed sweetness and innocence to the character of Frances that constantly had me rooting for her to escape Greta's clutches. She gives off an almost Snow White-esque vibe where her kindness and capacity for unconditional trust almost becomes her downfall and Moertz is honestly quite charming in the role.
I was really impressed by Maika Monroe, which is something I never thought I would say. She brings a radiant confidence and strength to her role of Erica and her comedic timing is surprisingly on point as well. She can act! Who knew?
I'll also give credit to the visual direction. While the writing leaves much to be desired, Neil Jordan's elegant, Gothic sensibilities bring a real beauty and glamour to the production. This is a gorgeous looking film and Jordan definitely manages to capture the enchanting nature of New York City from the eyes of a young Bostonian girl.
Overall, Greta is worth a a watch for the performances and the direction, but it's hardly worth catching in theaters. This has Netflix written all over it and I'm not sure if it really even justified a theatrical release. That being said, it's still a decent enough thriller to watch. It's painfully cliched and completely predictable, but it's a watchable thriller all the same.
Greta
henry8-327 March 2021
Moretz befriends a lonely woman, Huppert, who turns out to require the girl's company rather more than she intended
The leads are perfectly ok, particularly Huppert who is fine at sinister intent. The difficulty here is that there is nothing new to see and it all leaves a rather unpleasant but dull vanilla taste in the mouth. Forgettable.
The leads are perfectly ok, particularly Huppert who is fine at sinister intent. The difficulty here is that there is nothing new to see and it all leaves a rather unpleasant but dull vanilla taste in the mouth. Forgettable.
Disturbing story and amazing performances...
paul_haakonsen30 March 2021
As I sat down in 2021 to watch the 2018 movie "Greta", I must admit that I hadn't even heard about the movie. But the synopsis seemed interesting enough, and usually Chloë Grace Moretz make adequate movies. And with the fact that I hadn't already seen "Greta", of course I found the time to do so.
I must say that "Greta" from writers Ray Wright and Neil Jordan actually turned out to be a rather enjoyable and watchable movie. While this 2018 movie perhaps didn't really bring anything new or innovative to the thriller genre, then it proved to be entertaining nonetheless.
There was something genuinely off-putting and disturbing about the storyline, and this was because of some great writing by Ray Wright and Neil Jordan in terms of a proper storyline and interesting character, as well as some interesting and believable interactions between the characters.
The pacing of the storyline was good, and definitely worked well in favor of the overall enjoyment of the movie, as there weren't really a dull moment throughout the course of the movie. Sure, the storyline has its ups and down in terms of pacing, but every moment was spent to ensure that the storyline was progressed as it needed to be. Great accomplishment from director Neil Jordan on that aspect.
And it should be said that Chloë Grace Moretz was nicely cast for the role of Frances McCullen, as she has that particular sense of gullible demeanor and innocence about her, which really worked for this particular role and character. And opposite her was actress Isabelle Huppert whom put on a stellar performance as Greta Hideg. Isabelle Huppert's performance was just spot on and really genuinely creepy. I think this is actually my first time seeing her in a movie, and she really blew me away with her performance in "Greta".
While "Greta" is an enjoyable, albeit somewhat disturbing movie, it is hardly a movie that you will watch once, as the storyline just doesn't have the contents to support more than a single viewing. Once you've seen it the first time around, the storyline just loses its impact and all the surprises are left fully bared.
All in all, "Greta" is a movie that you should sit down to watch if you get the chance. I was genuinely surprised and entertained by this movie from director Neil Jordan. My rating of this 2018 thriller settles on a six out of ten stars.
I must say that "Greta" from writers Ray Wright and Neil Jordan actually turned out to be a rather enjoyable and watchable movie. While this 2018 movie perhaps didn't really bring anything new or innovative to the thriller genre, then it proved to be entertaining nonetheless.
There was something genuinely off-putting and disturbing about the storyline, and this was because of some great writing by Ray Wright and Neil Jordan in terms of a proper storyline and interesting character, as well as some interesting and believable interactions between the characters.
The pacing of the storyline was good, and definitely worked well in favor of the overall enjoyment of the movie, as there weren't really a dull moment throughout the course of the movie. Sure, the storyline has its ups and down in terms of pacing, but every moment was spent to ensure that the storyline was progressed as it needed to be. Great accomplishment from director Neil Jordan on that aspect.
And it should be said that Chloë Grace Moretz was nicely cast for the role of Frances McCullen, as she has that particular sense of gullible demeanor and innocence about her, which really worked for this particular role and character. And opposite her was actress Isabelle Huppert whom put on a stellar performance as Greta Hideg. Isabelle Huppert's performance was just spot on and really genuinely creepy. I think this is actually my first time seeing her in a movie, and she really blew me away with her performance in "Greta".
While "Greta" is an enjoyable, albeit somewhat disturbing movie, it is hardly a movie that you will watch once, as the storyline just doesn't have the contents to support more than a single viewing. Once you've seen it the first time around, the storyline just loses its impact and all the surprises are left fully bared.
All in all, "Greta" is a movie that you should sit down to watch if you get the chance. I was genuinely surprised and entertained by this movie from director Neil Jordan. My rating of this 2018 thriller settles on a six out of ten stars.
Traditional stalker fare upheld by the commitment of its performers
drownsoda903 March 2019
"Greta" follows naive, goodhearted Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young woman who has moved to New York City to live with her friend Erica (Maika Monroe). On the subway one day, she finds a bag whose contents indicate it belongs to Greta Hideg, a French woman who lives in Brooklyn. Frances takes a liking to Greta, but soon finds their mother-daughter-esque relationship to be much more than she bargained for.
In many ways, "Greta" strikes as a 21st-century return to the stalker fare of the 1990s, ala "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" or "Single White Female," and for that reason alone it is an adequately fun, all-around entertaining thrill ride. This subgenre of films, although not necessarily known for its grips on reality, has always been a source of great amusement. This is perhaps the most singular thing about "Greta" that audiences need heed before going into it, because it will divide its audience; those who enjoy these films for what they are will get a kick out of it, while those expecting something more innovative will be disappointed.
As someone who finds stalker films of this calibre to be typically enjoyable, I took "Greta" on its own terms and found it a consistent, well-acted popcorn movie. It's implausible in more ways than it's not, its millennial characters live lives that make little sense (how many twenty-somethings live in a chic, 1,000+ square-foot loft in Tribeca?), and the threat of the film's titular Greta relies largely on tropes well-worn. So, why does the film work? Largely, or perhaps entirely, because of the commitment of its performers to the material. Chloë Moretz is believable as the well-meaning Frances, and Isabelle Huppert is unrelenting as the villain. Both actresses throw themselves at the material with so much earnestness that it's difficult not to buy it, no matter how implausible, silly, or frivolous the circumstances. Maika Monroe provides enjoyable comic relief as Moretz's out-of-touch friend, while Stephen Rea makes a minor appearance as a private investigator who arrives in a rather stilted manner near the climax.
Taken on its own terms, "Greta" is a hoot; it's a throwback done well, and is one of the better popcorn thrillers I've seen in the last decade. This doesn't mean it's innovative or particularly intriguing, but it is engrossing in a way that is familiar, and it's fun enough to draw most audiences in. The material itself is well-worn at this point and the audience more or less knows the routine, but Moretz and Huppert's performances are the keys that turn the machine like clockwork. 7/10.
In many ways, "Greta" strikes as a 21st-century return to the stalker fare of the 1990s, ala "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" or "Single White Female," and for that reason alone it is an adequately fun, all-around entertaining thrill ride. This subgenre of films, although not necessarily known for its grips on reality, has always been a source of great amusement. This is perhaps the most singular thing about "Greta" that audiences need heed before going into it, because it will divide its audience; those who enjoy these films for what they are will get a kick out of it, while those expecting something more innovative will be disappointed.
As someone who finds stalker films of this calibre to be typically enjoyable, I took "Greta" on its own terms and found it a consistent, well-acted popcorn movie. It's implausible in more ways than it's not, its millennial characters live lives that make little sense (how many twenty-somethings live in a chic, 1,000+ square-foot loft in Tribeca?), and the threat of the film's titular Greta relies largely on tropes well-worn. So, why does the film work? Largely, or perhaps entirely, because of the commitment of its performers to the material. Chloë Moretz is believable as the well-meaning Frances, and Isabelle Huppert is unrelenting as the villain. Both actresses throw themselves at the material with so much earnestness that it's difficult not to buy it, no matter how implausible, silly, or frivolous the circumstances. Maika Monroe provides enjoyable comic relief as Moretz's out-of-touch friend, while Stephen Rea makes a minor appearance as a private investigator who arrives in a rather stilted manner near the climax.
Taken on its own terms, "Greta" is a hoot; it's a throwback done well, and is one of the better popcorn thrillers I've seen in the last decade. This doesn't mean it's innovative or particularly intriguing, but it is engrossing in a way that is familiar, and it's fun enough to draw most audiences in. The material itself is well-worn at this point and the audience more or less knows the routine, but Moretz and Huppert's performances are the keys that turn the machine like clockwork. 7/10.
Good and suspenseful but flawed
kyle-k-smith2 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
1. She did not know how to block a number after getting dozens of unwanted calls?
2. Who has a land line phone these days? When did she give Greta that #?
3. What employer wouldn't go out of their way if an employee was be stalked? Greta would have been banned from my restaurant and I'd have a make coworker take her home or paid for an uber rude for her.
4. Why didn't cop at least talk to Greta and tell her to stop stalking her.
5. I realize getting a gun in NYC is impossible, but why didn't she get mace, taser or body cam to get evidence.
6. PI should have known better than to search house without first restraining suspect or coming back after suspect had left.
7. Smartest character was the roomate. Surprised she didn't come up with a better plan to entrap Greta.
8. She should have taken the postit notes on all the purses and researched each of the girls named! Big mistake!
9. How did Greta know her home address?
10. Never hurt or kill the dog! Girls should have had the dog with them at the end.
Better than I expected!
becky-9234613 June 2023
Greta (2018) follows a young woman who befriends a lonely widow who is harboring a dark and deadly agenda toward her. Overall, this film isn't entirely unique but I had a great time watching it and often found myself on the edge of my seat! There's also some brilliant performances and good cinematography throughout.
The cinematography in the film is fairly impressive, and keeps the colour schemes low-key which works well. There's also quite a lot of unique camerawork and strong mood lighting that make the film consistently intriguing to watch. Also in terms of visuals, the set design has some good attention to detail.
The sound design is very hit or miss, but showed a lot of potential. The sound is often way too dramatic and I found it ruins the mood of the film at times, but I think the original score is very beautiful and adds a lot to the viewing experience. Also, I really love the use of Vivaldi's Winter, it helps raise the tension of the scene it's used in.
The characters are all quite interesting, and for the most part the actors do a great job. At first, I really disliked the character of Erica, but I grew to really love her and am glad she became essential to the plot later on. My biggest issue with this film is Chlöe Grace Moretz. I'm not really a fan of her acting and found her to be rather unconvincing as the lead. However, the main standout of the film is Isabelle Huppert who gives a phenomenal performance as Greta.
Lastly, this film builds up a good amount of tension and is consistently entertaining to watch. It has a strong sense of mystery that keeps you guessing, and is surprisingly fast paced at times! It also follows a fairly basic structure.
The cinematography in the film is fairly impressive, and keeps the colour schemes low-key which works well. There's also quite a lot of unique camerawork and strong mood lighting that make the film consistently intriguing to watch. Also in terms of visuals, the set design has some good attention to detail.
The sound design is very hit or miss, but showed a lot of potential. The sound is often way too dramatic and I found it ruins the mood of the film at times, but I think the original score is very beautiful and adds a lot to the viewing experience. Also, I really love the use of Vivaldi's Winter, it helps raise the tension of the scene it's used in.
The characters are all quite interesting, and for the most part the actors do a great job. At first, I really disliked the character of Erica, but I grew to really love her and am glad she became essential to the plot later on. My biggest issue with this film is Chlöe Grace Moretz. I'm not really a fan of her acting and found her to be rather unconvincing as the lead. However, the main standout of the film is Isabelle Huppert who gives a phenomenal performance as Greta.
Lastly, this film builds up a good amount of tension and is consistently entertaining to watch. It has a strong sense of mystery that keeps you guessing, and is surprisingly fast paced at times! It also follows a fairly basic structure.
Infuriating. Horrible.
r-bea62314 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is probably one of the worst films I have ever seen. The acting wasn't great to start. Both main characters seem to phone it in with their delivery and empty expressions, though they did get a lot better toward the end of the movie.
However, the characters just aren't developed very well. There's no background given for Greta other than her daughter's ex-lover, in a horrible over-acting scene, saying "that woman is ill" following a very brief story of abusive behavior towards Greta's daughter. Frances' response to the dire situation in which she finds herself don't seem to align with earlier behavior when she is brave enough to face Greta and tell her to leave. It's when she's fighting for her life that she runs out of ideas. But once she's alone, locked in a room and tied up, she manages to find the energy to thrash around?
A lot of it didn't make sense. Frances goes missing and her dad calls a private investigator instead of the police. Private Investigator finds where thrashing noise is coming from while left alone for some time. Instead of putting a move on because it COULD BE the missing girl you're searching for behind this wall...no, no. Let's take our time and get killed instead. Frances had one moment of redemption and finds herself a chance to escape. But instead of breaking a window and escaping through the main house, she goes DOWN INTO THE BASEMENT and tries to break a narrow window through which she will never fit. Finds a bodybag and stares at it. (GASP! What could be in a bodybag filled with what appears to be something shaped like a human?!)
I can go on and on. Really, I added these spoilers to hopefully save you from a horrendous movie night. Watch something else.
However, the characters just aren't developed very well. There's no background given for Greta other than her daughter's ex-lover, in a horrible over-acting scene, saying "that woman is ill" following a very brief story of abusive behavior towards Greta's daughter. Frances' response to the dire situation in which she finds herself don't seem to align with earlier behavior when she is brave enough to face Greta and tell her to leave. It's when she's fighting for her life that she runs out of ideas. But once she's alone, locked in a room and tied up, she manages to find the energy to thrash around?
A lot of it didn't make sense. Frances goes missing and her dad calls a private investigator instead of the police. Private Investigator finds where thrashing noise is coming from while left alone for some time. Instead of putting a move on because it COULD BE the missing girl you're searching for behind this wall...no, no. Let's take our time and get killed instead. Frances had one moment of redemption and finds herself a chance to escape. But instead of breaking a window and escaping through the main house, she goes DOWN INTO THE BASEMENT and tries to break a narrow window through which she will never fit. Finds a bodybag and stares at it. (GASP! What could be in a bodybag filled with what appears to be something shaped like a human?!)
I can go on and on. Really, I added these spoilers to hopefully save you from a horrendous movie night. Watch something else.
Thrilling, but definitely has plot holes !
saudaminikulkarni9 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I definitely enjoyed the entire first half of the movie with Gretas obsessive tendencies and stalker like behaviour escalating with each scene . When she captures Frankie and the way she's treated her, it definitely gets a rise out of the audience with some really good acting on display.
But the climax baffled me . Erica wears a wig and manages to fool a psychopath that has been obsessively studying all of Frances' social media photos . How did she not recognise her ?
But the climax baffled me . Erica wears a wig and manages to fool a psychopath that has been obsessively studying all of Frances' social media photos . How did she not recognise her ?
Had great potential but huge illogical plotholes spoil it
captainbeecher27 March 2021
The first half of this film is really good. The suspense builds throughout and a good story develops. Then, a scenario occurs in which there is only one obvious course of action and when the protagonists inexplicably do something else, all interest in the movie is lost because, from that point on, you will be distracted by the question "Why have they not just....?"
Worth seeing
mjsreg7 July 2019
I don't know what film all the negative reviewers were watching - it certainly wasn't this one!
This is a film that is well produced with a strong story-line and excellent acting by all the cast.
Isabelle Huppert gives a convincing and strong performance as Greta that sucks you in to her mind.
I don't want to give anything away, just to say that if you like a film you can really get in to and like a bit of madness - this is one for you.
This is a film that is well produced with a strong story-line and excellent acting by all the cast.
Isabelle Huppert gives a convincing and strong performance as Greta that sucks you in to her mind.
I don't want to give anything away, just to say that if you like a film you can really get in to and like a bit of madness - this is one for you.
Back Room...
azathothpwiggins4 December 2023
In GRETA, Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz) happens upon a lost handbag on the subway, and decides to simply return it to its owner, the older woman of the title (Isabelle Huppert). Frances strikes up a friendship with Greta, who is lonely and sort of reminds her of her late mother. All is well until Frances makes a bizarre, terrifying discovery.
This movie plays with the idea of being seriously targeted by someone who is doing it out in the open, while the law is unable to stop the perpetrator, and even protects them. It's pretty infuriating, and leads up to a final nightmare for Frances.
Ms. Huppert's character is exquisitely demented. Her unflinching portrayal is chilling. Ms. Moretz plays a kindly woman in an unbearable situation. While Frances is rather wimpy, she does rise up at one point, causing some damage to her tormentor. Not a bad movie at all, although the finale is a bit abrupt...
This movie plays with the idea of being seriously targeted by someone who is doing it out in the open, while the law is unable to stop the perpetrator, and even protects them. It's pretty infuriating, and leads up to a final nightmare for Frances.
Ms. Huppert's character is exquisitely demented. Her unflinching portrayal is chilling. Ms. Moretz plays a kindly woman in an unbearable situation. While Frances is rather wimpy, she does rise up at one point, causing some damage to her tormentor. Not a bad movie at all, although the finale is a bit abrupt...
Loneliness
boblipton8 July 2021
Chloe Grace Moretz strikes up an acquaintanceship with Isabelle Huppert, but soon realizes the older woman is stalking her. She tries to break it off, but Mlle. Huppert redoubles her efforts and soon kidnaps Miss Moretz and hides her i her cramped apartment.
Neil Jordan's take on stalker movies is a meditation on loneliness. Mlle. Huppert is estranged from her own daughter, and desperate for connection. Even at her most insane, there is a sadness to her performance that makes her oddly sympathetic. Miss Moretz' relationships seem banal and superficial at first, but in the end she has people whocare for her.
Isabelle Huppert was born in Paris in 1953. She first appeared on the screen in the early 1970s ad scored a success in 1972's CESAR AND ROSALIE. She has been nominated as Best Actress for France's Caesar award more times than anyone else.
Neil Jordan's take on stalker movies is a meditation on loneliness. Mlle. Huppert is estranged from her own daughter, and desperate for connection. Even at her most insane, there is a sadness to her performance that makes her oddly sympathetic. Miss Moretz' relationships seem banal and superficial at first, but in the end she has people whocare for her.
Isabelle Huppert was born in Paris in 1953. She first appeared on the screen in the early 1970s ad scored a success in 1972's CESAR AND ROSALIE. She has been nominated as Best Actress for France's Caesar award more times than anyone else.
Stupid People Doing Stupid Things!
marc881 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie made by a desperate director. So many obvious mistakes make by the young heroine. I blame the director for this. And when the director has to to resort to a fake dream sequences that means desperation...
Good little thriller
Sidney1014 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I quietly found myself enjoying this one. Great tension throughout keeping me glued. Great acting from the three leads. However it wasn't without flaws. Found it unbelievable the father hires a PI over reporting it to the police. And the end when they say what would we tell the police... are they kidding me?? I did however like the take of a stalker/killer being a middle aged women and can imagine luring victims to her home. I also liked the twist on the friend who comes to her rescue rather than them always being killed off, so didn't see that one coming.
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