Thus was a very soundly-done film - both in terms of the actors’ performances and the direction. there was nothing in the visual style of the film that was singularly original and distinctive, but this is not an adverse criticism - merely that it did what it needed o do effectively -which was to tell the story. But there was no reliance on cliché at any time - be it visual or aural. All the cinematic elements worked together slickly and professionally and so helped make the film the effective piece of drama that it was.
Initially the plotting required focus from the viewer with the intertwining individuals and their past and current relationships but the reward was given by the end with a satisfying and plausible climax. There was also some fine, high-quality character development, particularly with the central ‘lady on the train’ and it was through her, often alcoholically-soaked eyes that we followed most oft eh action. Unusually for a film that ostensibly fell into the ‘thriller’ category, it managed to deal thoughtfully and at times quite powerfully with the devastating effects of alcoholism on peoples lives and the effect that this can have on those around them. And, as indicated, this was also something of an effectively used plot device.
So, a sound thriller plus.