GRETA: A Delightfully Divisive Thrill Ride

A film like Neil Jordan’s Greta is almost guaranteed to divide audiences. It’s a bonkers amalgamation of different genre tropes that feels reminiscent of a 90s psychological thriller, but with all the camp of an 80s B-movie. Striking a balance between such different tones can be challenging, but Greta subverts expectations just enough to make it work. Greta goes completely off the rails, and for viewers who are on board with its bizarre blend of horror and comedy, are in for one wild ride.

A Familiar Premise Flie off the Rails

Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) stumbles upon a misplaced handbag while riding the subway in New York City. Compassionate and naïve, Frances does the right thing by returning the handbag to its rightful owner, Greta (Isabelle Huppert). Having recently lost her mother a year prior, Frances finds solace in her newfound friendship with Greta. Meanwhile, Frances’ roommate, Erica (Maika Monroe) warns Frances that her friendship with Greta is peculiar. But Greta is a lonely widow in desperate need of a friend, and the impressionable Frances cannot help but feel sorry for her.

When Frances discovers a cabinet full of handbags identical to the one she found on the subway, that’s when things begin to get interesting. Greta’s maternal demeanor gradually begins to crack and her inner Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates in Misery) begins to rear its ugly head. Greta could have easily fallen into the trappings of a typical psychological thriller about an obsessive stalker, but the film has a few tricks up its sleeve that makes it stand out from the pack.

Isabelle Huppert Goes for Broke

Neil Jordan proves that he knows how to build tension with effective pacing. This is a film that doesn’t rely on some creepy monster or jump scares, instead it takes a woman who wouldn’t seem threatening at all and transforms her into one of the most fascinating cinematic villains. Additionally, the music heightens the tension and the humor in Greta. Nonetheless, Jordan isn’t what makes Greta work. If it weren’t for the cast, Greta’s campy dialogue and silly scenarios wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable.

The friendship between Frances and Erica is thoroughly convincing and relatable, thanks in large part to stellar performances from Moretz and Monroe –the latter in particular shines in her supporting role. But make no mistake, this is Isabelle Huppert’s film through and through. The veteran actress dishes out a spectacular performance, as expected. But Greta would have been an utter train wreck if it weren’t for her.

Huppert is the glue that holds the film together and her eccentric performance is downright intriguing, keeping the film consistently entertaining. Huppert’s performance is weirdly comical and unlike anything she’s ever done before. The closest comparison one can make is to her performance in Paul Verhoeven’s Elle.

Some may argue that Huppert is miscast in the titular role, but the fact that she’s an unexpected choice for the part is what makes the film so much fun. Watching Greta freak out, dance around, and torture people is a delightfully surreal experience.

Greta: Final Thoughts

Greta might leave some viewers scratching their heads, but anyone who’s as game as these actresses are is bound to have a great time. Overall, Greta is an acquired taste that will frustrate some viewers while those who revel in its campy absurdities will have an absolute blast with it.

Whether viewers love or hate Greta, the film is sure to make an impression and anyone who sees it will probably think twice if they ever find a missing bag on a subway train.

What’s your favorite Isabelle Huppert performance? If you’ve seen Greta, did you love it or hate it? Let us know in the comments section

Greta was released in theaters in the US on March 1, 2019 and will be released in the UK on April 19, 2019. For all international release dates, see here.