Netflix’s The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is a mouthful to say. If you’re asking yourself – Why does that ridiculous name sound familiar? Well, because you’ve probably seen or at least heard of, the genre movies and novels this show is spoofing – The Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window, etc.
So what is The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window?
It’s a mystery thriller about Anna (played by Kristen Bell), a divorcee who lives by herself that witnesses the murder of her neighbor from across the street. The only problem? Anna has some issues; She’s an alcoholic who is traumatized by the recent death of her daughter. She is mostly a shut-in (she’s scared of the rain), who takes her medication with full bottles of wine. A new man moves in across the street and Anna is infatuated with him and his daughter.
And yes, this is basically the plot of The Woman in the Window another Netflix production.
If the ridiculous name of the show doesn’t make it obvious, this is a parody of these types of stories, but also subtly, a celebration of the “regular joe sleuth” genre.
It’s not Scary Movie levels of comedy but more subtle, which is why I think The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window works.
Yes, the plot is pretty silly and borderline, insane. Anna gets to know her new neighbor, Neil, and his daughter Elizabeth. She finds Neil attractive and connects with Elizabeth because she reminds her of her own daughter that tragically, died.
After some flirting and dinner, it’s revealed to Anna that Neil has a girlfriend, Lisa. Lisa is a flight attendant, so she’s not always around. This reveal leaves Anna heartbroken and confused. And then one night, as Anna people watches through her window — she sees Lisa being murdered, or so she thinks.
When questioned, Neil mentions he spoke to his girlfriend Lisa, recently — she’s not dead. No one believes Anna: not the police, her friends, her therapist. Anna does happen to see her dead daughter from time to time; mixing her medications with one, sometimes two, full bottles of wine doesn’t help her case.
So what did Anna really see? Was it a figment of her imagination? Or has Neal covered up the murder of his girlfriend? He is a widower; has he murdered both women?
The story of The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window plays out from here and I must say, it’s enjoyable.
The situations and even the reveals by the end of the season, are indeed ridiculous, but if you go into the show expecting to laugh at some silly situations while attempting to figure out what the hell is going on, I think you’ll have a surprisingly good time.
This is not a show that overstays its welcome. At only 8 sub 30 minute episodes this is a quick binge.
Kristen Bell is really funny in the role of Anna. The comedy is dopey, but it works. The character is both clueless and crazy, but that’s a perfect combination for a wannabe detective.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is silly, but that is part of its charm. There are a bunch of running gags that made me chuckle throughout the season, topped off by the most ridiculous reveal and confrontation with an antagonist, that I’ve seen before. It’s a balancing act of dark humor, parody, satire, drama, and mystery, but I think it did a fine job.
The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window gets a solid 3 out of 5, which I consider “Good”.
It’s sort of an over-the-top Lifetime movie that mixes a ridiculous mystery with some subtle comedy. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, I say check it out. Will it make your favorites of 2022 list? Probably not, but you’ll have a good time.
If you’ve seen The Woman in the House Across the street from the Woman in the Window – let me know what you thought!
For more recent TV Reviews, check out my Yellowjackets Season 1 Review (vs. Lost)!
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