Greta

Greta (2018): Obsession Wears an Elegant Face

Greta is a psychological thriller that blends suspense, elegance, and disturbing obsession into a stylish, slow-burning tale of manipulation and control. Directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game), the film stars Isabelle Huppert as the titular Greta and Chloë Grace Moretz as Frances, a young woman whose kindness leads her into a sinister trap.

The story begins in New York City, where Frances, grieving the recent death of her mother, finds an abandoned handbag on the subway and decides to return it to its rightful owner. The bag belongs to Greta Hideg, a lonely, soft-spoken widow living in a quaint, old-world apartment. Greta seems sweet and harmless at first, and the two women quickly bond—Greta fills the maternal void Frances feels, while Frances gives Greta a sense of companionship.

But this seemingly innocent connection soon twists into obsession. Frances discovers a closet full of identical handbags, each labeled with a different woman’s name, revealing that Greta has pulled this trick before. As Frances tries to cut ties, Greta refuses to let go, stalking her, inserting herself into her life, and turning more violent and unhinged with each rejection.

What starts as a psychological study of loneliness and vulnerability escalates into a chilling cat-and-mouse game. Huppert, a master of subtle menace, delivers a captivating performance that balances charm with quiet menace. Her portrayal of Greta is equal parts tragic and terrifying—a woman driven mad by isolation and obsession, hiding a monstrous side behind refined manners and grace.

Chloë Grace Moretz brings emotional weight and relatability to Frances, making her descent into fear and paranoia all the more compelling. Maika Monroe also provides strong support as Erica, Frances’s skeptical roommate, offering levity and a dose of realism amid the madness.

Visually, Greta is sleek and atmospheric. Its Hitchcockian influence is felt in the tension-building direction, haunting piano score, and the theme of the predator hiding behind civility. The pacing is deliberate, with an escalating sense of dread that culminates in a suspenseful and disturbing final act.

In conclusion, Greta is a stylish and unsettling thriller that reminds viewers how quickly kindness can be exploited. Powered by a riveting performance from Isabelle Huppert, it’s a cautionary tale about trust, loneliness, and the dangers of ignoring your instincts when something—or someone—feels off.