“The Girl on the Train” is a psychological thriller novel written by British author Paula Hawkins in 2015. The story’s first-person narrative is told from the perspectives of three women: Rachel, Anna, and Megan. The novel quickly gained widespread popularity, becoming a New York Times bestseller and receiving several awards. In 2016, “The Girl on the Train” was adapted into a film directed by Tate Taylor and starring Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, and Haley Bennett.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll be covering everything from the book and film summaries to the parent guide and film locations. We’ll also delve into the characters, memorable quotes, the soundtrack by Danny Elfman, curiosities, tips for cosplay, video games based on the story, author Paula Hawkins’ bio and books, the ending explained, other films by Tate Taylor, similar films and books, and finally, the conclusion.
Book Summary
The Girl on the Train follows Rachel Watson, a troubled woman struggling with alcoholism and the recent end of her marriage. Every day, Rachel takes the train to London, passing by her old house where her ex-husband, Tom, now lives with his new wife, Anna, and their baby. Rachel becomes fixated on a couple living a few houses down, Megan and Scott Hipwell, whom she imagines to have a perfect life.
One day, Rachel sees something shocking involving Megan, which leads her to become entangled in a missing person investigation. As the story unfolds, we learn about Megan’s dark past and her connection to the other characters. The novel’s narrative switches between the perspectives of Rachel, Megan, and Anna, providing insight into each of their lives and motivations.
As the investigation continues, Rachel uncovers her own involvement in Megan’s disappearance, and the truth about her life and the people around her begins to unravel. The novel ends with a thrilling confrontation between the characters, revealing the shocking truth behind the events that transpired.
Film Summary
The film adaptation of “The Girl on the Train” follows the same storyline as the book, but with a few alterations. Directed by Tate Taylor, the film stars Emily Blunt as Rachel, Rebecca Ferguson as Anna, and Haley Bennett as Megan. The film’s setting was changed from London to New York, and several minor changes were made to the characters and plot.
Like the book, the film follows Rachel’s obsession with Megan and Scott, her involvement in the missing person investigation, and the eventual revelation of the truth behind the events. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for Emily Blunt’s performance but criticism for some of the changes made from the book.
Parent Guide: Is The Girl on the Train appropriate for kids?
“The Girl on the Train” deals with mature themes, including alcoholism, infidelity, domestic violence, and murder. The film adaptation is rated R for violence, sexual content, language, and nudity. Due to these factors, “The Girl on the Train” is not recommended for young children, and parents should exercise caution when deciding if the film is appropriate for their teenagers.
When does The Girl on the Train take place?
The book’s events occur over several months, with the story beginning in July and ending in November. The film adaptation follows a similar timeline, but the setting is changed from London to New York City.
Film Locations: Where was The Girl on the Train filmed?
Although the novel takes place in London, the film adaptation is set in New York City and its surrounding areas. Some of the key filming locations include the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, which serves as the train route in the movie, Irvington (a village in Westchester County, New York), and the Ardsley-on-Hudson train station.
Who’s who in The Girl on the Train?
The main characters in “The Girl on the Train” are:
- Rachel Watson (played by Emily Blunt): The protagonist, a troubled woman struggling with alcoholism and the end of her marriage.
- Megan Hipwell (played by Haley Bennett): A woman living a few houses down from Rachel’s former home, whose disappearance becomes central to the story.
- Anna Watson (played by Rebecca Ferguson): Rachel’s ex-husband’s new wife, who becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Megan.
- Scott Hipwell (played by Luke Evans): Megan’s husband, who also becomes involved in the investigation into her disappearance.
- Tom Watson (played by Justin Theroux): Rachel’s ex-husband and the father of Anna’s baby.
Other notable characters include Detective Riley (played by Allison Janney) and Kamal Abdic (played by í‰dgar Ramírez), a therapist with a connection to Megan.
Memorable Quotes from The Girl on the Train
Some standout quotes from both the book and film include:
- “I am not the girl I used to be.” – Rachel
- “Life is not a paragraph, and death is no parenthesis.” – Megan, quoting E.E. Cummings
- “There’s nothing so painful, so corrosive, as suspicion.” – Rachel
- “You’re always going to be afraid, even if you learn to hide it. Fear is like… a companion. A constant companion, always there.” – Megan
- “I have never understood how people can blithely disregard the damage they do by following their hearts.” – Rachel
Soundtrack by Danny Elfman
The film’s original score was composed by renowned composer Danny Elfman. The soundtrack creates a suspenseful and atmospheric backdrop for the story, with haunting melodies and tense orchestration. Some notable tracks include “A Ride in the Country,” “Rachel,” and “Deviled Eggs.”
Curiosities about The Girl on the Train
- Author Paula Hawkins initially wrote the novel under a pseudonym, as she was unsure of its success.
- The book’s initial working title was “The Wrong Side of the Tracks.”
- Before the film adaptation, the novel’s rights were initially purchased with the intent to turn it into a Broadway musical.
- Emily Blunt was pregnant during the filming of “The Girl on the Train” and had to wear a prosthetic belly for certain scenes.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress like Rachel Watson and Anna Watson
To dress like Rachel Watson, opt for a disheveled look with unkempt hair and minimal makeup. Wear oversized, dark-colored clothing, such as a baggy sweater and jeans. For Anna Watson, choose more polished and stylish outfits, like tailored dresses and blouses, and pair them with simple, elegant accessories.
Video Games Based on The Girl on the Train
While there are no official video games directly based on “The Girl on the Train,” fans of the story may enjoy playing mystery and detective games, such as “Her Story,” “Gone Home,” and “L.A. Noire.”
Paula Hawkins bio and books
Paula Hawkins is a Zimbabwe-born British author who became an international sensation with her debut novel, “The Girl on the Train.” Before becoming a novelist, Hawkins worked as a journalist and wrote romantic comedy novels under a pseudonym. In 2017, Hawkins released her second psychological thriller, “Into the Water,” which also became a bestseller.
Ending Explained: What does the ending of The Girl on the Train mean?
The ending of “The Girl on the Train” reveals the truth about Megan’s disappearance and the identity of her killer. The conclusion serves as a moment of catharsis for the characters, as secrets are exposed and justice is served. Without giving away any spoilers, the ending ultimately highlights the importance of confronting one’s own demons and the consequences that can arise from deception and betrayal.
Other Films by Tate Taylor
Tate Taylor is an American director, screenwriter, and actor best known for his work on “The Help” (2011), “Get on Up” (2014), and “The Girl on the Train” (2016). Some of his other directorial projects include the films “Pretty Ugly People” (2008), “Ma” (2019), and the upcoming “Breaking News in Yuba County” (2021).
Similar Films to The Girl on the Train
Fans of “The Girl on the Train” may also enjoy psychological thrillers such as:
- “Gone Girl” (2014) – Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this film follows the disappearance of a woman and the subsequent investigation that uncovers dark secrets.
- “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) – A classic psychological thriller featuring FBI agent Clarice Starling and her encounters with the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter.
- “Black Swan” (2010) – Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film explores the dark side of ambition and obsession through the experiences of a ballet dancer.
Other Books by Paula Hawkins and Similar Books to The Girl on the Train
In addition to “The Girl on the Train,” Paula Hawkins has also written another psychological thriller, “Into the Water.” For fans seeking similar books to “The Girl on the Train,” consider the following novels:
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – A suspenseful tale of a marriage gone wrong and the subsequent search for a missing wife.
- “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson – A psychological thriller about a woman with amnesia who attempts to uncover the truth about her past.
- “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn – A suspenseful story about an agoraphobic woman who believes she has witnessed a crime in her neighbor’s house.
Conclusion
“The Girl on the Train” is a riveting psychological thriller that captivated readers and moviegoers alike. Both the book and film adaptations offer a gripping exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of deception, and the importance of confronting one’s own demons. With its memorable characters, suspenseful plot, and thought-provoking themes, “The Girl on the Train” will undoubtedly continue to be a favorite among fans of the genre for years to come.
