Lou (I) (2022) User Reviews

Solid entertainment

[aandb2001 · 6/10 · 25 September 2022]

This is the kind of movie you want on a lazy weekend. Nothing too scary or sad or shocking. Couple of good twists. Solid acting and plot. Really cool scenery and camera work.

A couple of goofs (Battery operated light in the kids room is way ahead of the 80's timeline. I thought Jax went home? Where'd the bombproof vest come from?).

Allison Janney is great. Actually all the actors are good to great. Even the side characters of the local sheriff and deputy are good.

Overall a solid movie and worth it.

I'm glad I didn't pay to watch it on a theater. I don't regret the time watching it at home on Netflix.

A gritty well-made action thriller with a solid lead performance by Allison Janney in the lead

[IonicBreezeMachine · 7/10 · 23 September 2022]

In a secluded part of the Pacific Northwest, loner Lou Adell (Allison Janney) is living a solitary life with her dog Jax with her only regular contact being with single mother Hannah Dawson (Jurmee Smollett) and her daughter Vee (Ridley Bateman) who rent property on Lou's land. During a massive storm Hannah's abusive and presumed dead ex Phillip (Logan-Marshall-Green) kidnaps their daughter Vee and Hannah enlists Lou's help in tracking the two down leading to Lou tapping into her dormant skillset and long buried wounds that made her who she is.

Lou is the directorial debut of cinematographer Anna Forester whose previous directing credits were in television such as Criminal Minds and Outlander. Produced by J. J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, the film while initially setup at Paramount was dropped early on with Bad Robot opting to film Lou independently with distribution rights eventually being picked up by Netflix. The movie doesn't break too far from the established formula of this kind of action thriller, but it does deliver on suspense and character you expect from this type of film.

One of the things that stood out to me with Lou was just how gritty the film looks. While Lou is set in the 1980s, the movie wisely avoids becoming "nostalgia porn" and really only uses 80s iconography or references when appropriate and in context rather than reminding you every few minutes as some films set in the decade have been guilty of. From the hard-edged fight sequences to some really tense survival sequences such as a setpiece on a lopsided rope bridge the movie reminded me of thrillers such as 1988's Shoot to Kill which mixed this kind of chase movie with environmental perils. Allison Janney is really good as Lou and her performance as this hardened isolated loner is well done and she fits the role very well in terms of both the character's backstory and skillset as well as conveying the inner turmoil of this character when it's revealed what the source is. The other actors are good in their roles too with Jurmee Smollett's performance as an abuse survivor quite engaging and Logan Marshall-Green a solidly done antagonist even if they're not as compelling as Janney's role. The movie does have a twist relating to certain character relationships and like most twists related to this type of genre exercise I think most will see it coming, but it works well enough thematically and leads to a tense and emotional climax that I was willing to let it pass.

Lou doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to this kind of gritty minimalist action thriller, but it gives enough meat to the characters, aesthetics, and performances that I was kept engaged throughout the film's brisk 100-minute runtime. Anna Foerster shows solid work in her first feature in the director's seat and I look forward to seeing her hone her style in other films.

Well-acted but absurd plot

[aronofskydavid · 5/10 · 25 September 2022]

This movie could have been very good because the cast and acting are solid, with excellent cinematography. The story is so ridiculous, however, that no one could ever believe it and dramas don't work well with stupid scripts. Allison Janney, who plays a former CIA agent, is always worth watching and so are the other actors even though their dialogue is fairly limited. Jurney Smollett also does fine given the poor script she has to work with. It is impossible to describe how absurd the story is without including too many spoilers, so I suggest seeing this if you are an Allison Janney fan with about an hour and forty-five minutes with nothing else to do.

Not too bad

[jupitermission · 7/10 · 24 September 2022]

Firstly this isn't gonna win any awards for originality. Twists are very predictable but fine. I'm sure some people are gonna nag about this and that. Some people fail to realize that it's just a movie, it's entertainment. Decent storyline, good acting, cinematography was great. I wasn't bored throughout at all. Jurnee Smolett was good as usual(loved her in 'Lovecraft Country'). The little girl was adorable. Everything was explained even if you saw it coming. The key most people lose is that you're not a professional movie critic so stop acting like one. If you don't like something, turn it off and move on and don't voice your other issues into your entertainment and you'll be fine, I promise.

Dark, effective, taut, gritty psycho thriller - crackin' entertainment

[danieljfarthing · 7/10 · 14 October 2022]

In dark, effective psycho thriller "Lou" Allison Janney (strong again) is a surly ex-CIA spook living on a remote mountain, pulled into helping only near neighbour Jurnee Smollett when her kid Ridley Asha Bateman is snatched by evil ex Logan Marshall-Green (great - channelling Tom Hardy) who's ALSO ex-military Special Ops. As Janney & Smollett track Marshall-Green across the harsh storm-lashed wilderness more layers & twists unfold... but how will it all end? Maggie Cohn & Jack Stanley's screenplay is classically solid, and Anna Foerster directs with a terrifically taut & gritty style. It's simple, old-school style fare, but still crackin' bang-on entertainment.

I was pleasantly surprised

[z_z_z_z_z_z · 7/10 · 12 October 2022]

To Watch or Not to Watch?

I have become jaded over time as I feel that the quality of the average film has dropped over the years.

I must admit, I did not hold out high hopes for this movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The acting was good, the music was good, as were the locations. It was great to see Janney in a different role and she excelled.

There are no great surprises here, but so what? It is a good way to pass a couple of hours of action /thriller entertainment with a couple of surprise plot twists.

I happily recommend it. It is worth the watch just so long as you keep your expectations realistic.

Great performances. Good characters. Decent writing

[Ithilfaen · 9 October 2022]

It's an action thriller so I wasn't exactly expecting it to re-invent the wheel. I just wanted a decent popcorn flick with interesting characters and some action on the side.

I was actually pleasantly surprised. While not reinventing the genre, the movie definitely reinvigorates it. The characters development and the dynamic between the two women is very well written and the acting is exceptional for a movie of the genre.

Just when I thought I couldn't be surprised by the depth of Janney's acting, she knocks another one out of the park in a role I never would have expected her in.

Oh and for the ones who are having such a hard time "suspending disbelief" when they see "a senior citizen" kick two young guys into next week, ask yourself why you had no such issue while watching Keanu Reeves, a mere 3 years "younger" take a whole room full of armed younger guys in John Wick...

Allison Janney was perfect for this role

[walkingdead-08787 · 7/10 · 24 September 2022]

I had low expectations for this movie but Janney and Smollett acting carried this movie. So used to Janney playing wacky characters like in Mom or 10 things I hate about you so it was very hard to imagine Janney as a bad ass lead but she pulled it off so well. A serious role for Janney with a dash of her snarky humor mixed in.

For anyone that watches this movie but can't figure out where they recognize Smollett it might be as a child actor in Full House. Plot was told pretty well and kept me interested throughout the movie. I even liked the plot twist that I was not expecting. Definitely worth a watch.

Intriguing beginning but quickly drops in quality

[paul-allaer · 5/10 · 26 September 2022]

As "Lou" (2022 release; 109 min) opens, we are introduced to Lou, a fifty-something "lone ranger" woman in remote Washington State (we later learn it's the San Juan Islands). One senses she has had a complicated past. Her neighbor is Hannah, a thirty-something mother of a young daughter. A big storm is arriving soon, and before you know it, things go haywire on many different levels. At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this film is directed by noted cinematographer Anna Foerster. More importantly, the film is produced by none other than J. J. Abrams, immediately raiding expectations. Alas, it was not to be. For that, look no further than the script, which is frankly quite weak. Not only do things happen that simply make no sense, but worse, there is never any doubt how all of this is going to play out in the end. There are two bright lights: first, Allison Janney brings a tough performance in the title role. Second, the outdoor scenery (somewhere in the wild and wide open Pacific Northwest) is simply tops. It's a shame that the rest of the production isn't on the same high level.

"Lou" premiered on Netflix this past weekend. If you are in the mood for an "action thriller" that is fairly straight-forward if not predictable, I'd readily suggest you keep your expectations fairly low, and then draw your own conclusion.

Entertaining thriller

[Luigi Di Pilla · 6/10 · 24 September 2022]

Came out on Netflix and didn't hesitate to watch this kidnapping action thriller. The filming locations in Canada with their wild forest landscapes were amazing. They gave this thriller in addition an intriguing and mysterious touch.

It is a simply story mixed with suspense. The director made a good job and all the the actors too. Running time is perfect.

If you like this genre of movies don't miss the other Hollywood kidnapping thrillers The Call with Halle Berry, Cellular with Kim Basinger, Trapped or Panic Room with Julianne Moore.

I spent with my wife an entertaining evening.

Give it a try. 6/10.

Had problems.

[Dodge-Zombie · 3/10 · 25 September 2022]

I should start off here by saying in general the acting was actually pretty good. The movie had a good cast for the most part and almost everyone played their parts well. The direction seemed pretty good too as did the photography. The music fit the movie well and the the scenery and location were great.

So why aren't I scoring this higher? Plot holes. Lots and lots of plot holes. People doing stupid things for stupid reasons. The scripting in some parts was terrible and also as well as the acting was the action scenes were just far too unrealistic.

The main reason however is because the whole thing was so predictable within 10 minutes I could of written the whole film out and not been far wrong.

If you're not looking for surprises you may enjoy this more than I did.

I can't recommend it though.

Successful survival film with its own identity

[norbert-plan-618-715813 · 8/10 · 4 December 2022]

Lou is a film that makes you feel the cold and wet! This survival movie maintains and renews the genre at the same time. The humidity and the cold, because the film takes place during a storm in the forest. Allison Janney, an unsympathetic landlord and neighbor, rents a house to Jurnee Smollett and her little girl. The film begins by showing us the lives of the hillbillies as they prepare for the storm's arrival. But this is not a country drama, because these two women will each be confronted with their past, which will lead them in a chase in a wild environment (very beautiful scenery and landscapes of British Columbia). As such the plot is classic, and the film does not surprise in its dramatic rebounds, but the treatment and the environment make the whole exciting to follow. Moreover the film is visually successful. The film benefits from an impressive support from Allison Janney, who carries the film in a physical and charismatic role. Logan Marshall-Green excels in this feverish character who has lost all bearings with reality.

The film also excels, underneath its survival movie attributes, in questioning and challenging the mother-child relationship. It highlights the limits and consequences, and especially how far this relationship can go. In this respect the film is a good surprise and this makes it more interesting than many productions of the same genre.

A solid enough 'chase through the woods' thriller

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 23 November 2022]

As a storm threatens to batter Orcas Island in the Pacific North West a man picks up a hitch-hiker. This is a mistake as the man is very dangerous. He is a former Green Beret. He is also the husband of Hannah and father of her daughter Vee who live on the island. Vee thinks her father is away searching for treasure; Hannah believes he is dead. When he gets to their home he kidnaps Vee. Unable to contact the authorities Hannah goes to her neighbour, Lou Adell. Lou offers to help and together the two head off into the woods to find Vee. Hannah has no idea that Lou has certain skills that will be very useful in the hours to come. As the story progresses they will face various dangers and secrets will be revealed.

I thought this was a pretty solid thriller. The basic premise may not be that original but it is effective at delivering the necessary thrills. Choosing to set the story in the mid-eighties was a good choice as it was able to tie in with certain events and provided a good excuse for lack of communications... besides once the action has moved into the woods the year it was set barely matters. There are some good tense moments and the action is quite gritty at times, in one scene a character gets a knife through the hand. While our eponymous protagonist is tough there isn't a sense that she can't be harmed as is so often the case in such films. The setting is impressive with nearby Vancouver Island standing in for Orcas Island, which is part of Washington State. The acting is solid; especially from Allison Janney who plays Lou; it was refreshing to have an older woman playing an action lead. Direction from Anna Foerster was also impressive. On the down side I could have done without a couple of the twists, they weren't that surprising and didn't add that much to the story. Overall though a decent film; not a must see but worth watching if you enjoy the genre.

The Rain Wasn't Left in Africa...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 4 October 2022]

What would you do, if your daughter's snatched from you, by a person from your past, who left you troubled and harassed, the only one that can help you, the neighbouring lass known as Lou, she's not quite what you had perceived, has several tricks up both her sleeves (amongst other things).

It's a familiar tale although refreshingly told with two women in the lead but it's as contrived as they come and requires a bucket load of salt to suspend your disbelief, although if you need a shallow thriller as a bit of a time filler, it just about fits the bill, and there are one or two interesting tangents that might make you scratch your chin, or even raise an eyebrow.

Not exactly original, but still a solid watch

[GregTheStopSign95 · 7/10 · 26 September 2022]

You've seen most pieces of this movie before, in other movies, but maybe not all together in one movie in this way. It may not change your life, but I doubt you'll regret watching it.

The leads are all great, especially Alison Janney; the camera work is great, the setting is great, it's just a great movie all around, only let down a little by one fight towards the end.

Honestly, this movie is just further proof that Alison Janney is always worth watching in EVERYTHING she appears in, and while Logan Marshall-Green may never be a Hollywood Leading Man (or will he?) he's absolutely worth watching, whatever he's in. Let's not forget Jurnee Smollett, either, she's easily as great to watch.

Amazing heroine

[sergepesic · 7/10 · 6 November 2022]

There is, seemingly never-ending supply of middle-aged men on a rampage vengeance movies. Ask Kevin Costner or Liam Neeson. Now we have something a bit novel. Older woman with murdering skills taking on a kidnapper. There isn't much original about this endeavor, these days required twist and turns that come out of nowhere abound. But so what. When you have such an amazing heroine as Allison Janney many shortcomings are easily forgiven. She brings to this, many times visited party, true grit and mysterious charisma lacking so much in so many of our plastic movie stars. Letting yourself be who you are and of your own age liberates and allows you to do what you are meant to do. Act. Is that too much to ask?

Janney steals the show.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 7/10 · 28 September 2022]

I don't think there's a role Janney can't do, but she sure stepped up from her character as Bonnie on Mom. I never thought I'd say this, but she needs more action roles, she nailed this one. Sadly, her performance wasn't able to carry the rest of the film from being good to becoming great. The first half was a great start and setup to continue into the second half, but sadly, the second half turned into a dull, convoluted and cliched nonsense. It's like of the two writers, one did great to start, the other poorly to end. It's too bad a seasoned filmmaker wasn't consulted - wonder how it even slipped through producer J. J. Abrams. Had the second half been as great as the first, I would've given this a 9/10, but sadly, it's only 7/10 from me.

Dont waste your time

[jmattioli-51371 · 4/10 · 28 September 2022]

Another unrealistic movie trying to promote a woman action hero. At least. Marvel lets you know its fiction. Just too unrealistic . The lead character it more efficient that a Navy Seal and has more fights and situations than . I just couldn't finish watching this . Even my wife found to be be a step backwards for women action heroes. It starts out like a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western them moves to a Rambo type action hero and then the plot gets dumber and dumber . I can't explain how it ends but it got to the point it was so unrealistic that I had to give up after an hour. I guess it s ok for some people but this is a wasted evening of entertainment.

Edge of your seat thriller

[TheDome81 · 7/10 · 24 September 2022]

Excellent, action packed film. It was a dark and stormy night. That's pretty much how this one begins. A storm is about to hit an island off Seattle. We meet Lou, an crotchety old woman. And owe also meet Hannah, a younger woman and her little daughter Lou stops by and is a bit gruff with her about getting her rent. Then all hell breaks loose. Her young daughter is kidnapped during the storm. And she kidnapped by her dad, who is supposedly dead. The action immediately picks up as we learn a bit more about Lou. As it turns out, she's not just a cranky old woman, but it appears she's pretty well trained in the ways of combat. The two team up to track down her daughter. And it's pretty much non-stop action for the next hour and a half. Very well done.

Lost its potential midway

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 5/10 · 28 September 2022]

Teaming up with your estranged neighbor or a random stranger only to realize at a later phase that he/she isn't really the person who they were pretending to be; it's a template that has been done to death!

There was a time back then (the late 2000s, in particular) when audiences fancied such stuff, irrespective of what were they trying to tell, whatever their implications might have been. Not anymore though. Now, it all boils down to the director and how he/she decides to present the story.

Despite 'Lou' having some extra advantages on its side; like a competent technical crew, an incredible setting, and a believable lead (Allison Janney) but due to an uninspiring write-up and a set of half-baked characters; it failed to leave its mark! Albeit the movie began on a rather promising note; however, that urgency, that determination dried out in a gradual manner.

I appreciate the attempt, I really do, but they gotta go that extra mile to make such attempts rewarding, keeping them on a surface level won't ever cut it.

Jason Bournes older sister

[celt007 · 8/10 · 24 September 2022]

Great story, great acting . The action scenes/ fight are fantastic .

The film is very good not understanding why anyone would vote this down below 6 ? I gave it a 8 because it's such great performance by Allison Jenney.

I found it just a tad , predictable , but over all an entertaining bout of film.

Don't worry about the lower scores just remember to watch this movie for the pleasure to watch Allison kick some serious arse .

This is pretty darn good and deserves attention . Many will call it woke but it seems organic . Enjoy the movie it's worth a watch .

Turn of your tv watch this movie now .

Dreadfully boring

[psysword · 1/10 · 27 September 2022]

I thought that it might be different from the usual woke nonsense of today but here we have something that's part of the malaise. An entirely unbelievable plot with an old woman with super skills that are hard to swallow along with the co-actress who hasn't been to acting school. Alot of the movie could've been easily edited out but the director chose to waste our time with very predictable cliches. Really bad acting with laughable stunts. Has some good filming in moments but all that is overshadowed by a dragged out Rambo style overreaching storyline.

This lengthy movie drags and best avoided if you value your time.

I love this role for Allison Janney!

[philippelafortune-73142 · 7/10 · 25 September 2022]

(I watched the movie and then wrote about it to practice writing review skills in English. So, please bare with me while I write this review.)

The actress Allison Janney plays Lou a retired operator who lives in a remote location. I was hoping to see her play this type of strong-willed woman role again in a movie. She is funny on TV series such as "Mom" but I think she is better with a heavier/drama type of role.

The film is set during a dangerous storm. The story follows Lou's cash-strapped tenant Hannah. This film follows the story of two very different women who are forced to work together to rescue her young daughter when the unreliable presumably dead ex kidnaps her during the storm. It takes place on Canada's rugged west coast Vancouver Island, and the natural surroundings play a big role in the story.

Allison Janney is known for playing strong women in movies. In this thriller, she becomes quieter and more reserved. These women are usually very smart and can outsmart most people they meet. They usually don't talk much because they don't want to reveal any of their secrets. Though, a bit predictable what they could be from the start, however, a bit of mystery still remains.

Lou may be a mystery, but she's not without motivation. Janney makes the character resonate with strength and resolve in this action-packed film about two women who must survive against all odds. The plot moves quickly from one tense outdoor confrontation to another as Lou tells her simple story: endure harsh conditions together or die alone. She knows what needs doing; you can see it on every inch (literally) of skin that gets bared by exposure during these moments where survival is at stake - which makes for some very impressive acting skills indeed!

The only surprising thing I found was how the heck she managed to track both the guy and the carriage in heavy rain over extremely rough terrain for an extended period of time. Plot holes...I'll admit they can be a bit annoying!

If you like your thrillers with a side order of wholesomeness, then this one's right up your alley. It has all the makings - intrigue and mystery in addition to some good old-fashioned acting talent!

However, don't expect anything new or spectacular here but it was refreshing seeing strong female roles played by a 60+ actress on screen, especially considering how few of these types there usually are that can pull it off!

Jurnee Smollett who played the role of 'Black Canary' in Birds of Prey was also good at playing the determined mother in this Netflix movie.

My Rating: 7/10.

Who knew?

[graceoverpressuretheoneANDonly · 7/10 · 28 September 2022]

All I ever saw Alison Janney in was in the sitcome "Mom" as a great comedienne, so this did me a complete "360" in noting her incredible capabilities and range as an actress. Tough storyline and very violent. Not the kind of pic I watch regularly (-save it for the millennials who eat up this kinda plot...) I can't remember when I've seen such a raw movie but I must say, done very well with fine acting by all and great location and cimetography. The plot was as edgy as they come with nuances of "humanity" spliced throughout. Not recommended for the "faint of heart", that's for sure. Was glad, however, to see such great performances by all that cohesively worked from beginning to end to make it an interesting, provocative story.

Excellent psychological thriller.

[marie-ell1993 · 7/10 · 5 October 2022]

I thought it was a superb psychological thriller with a few unexpected twists and turns. The castings were perfect for the roles and totally believable. The introduction to the characters was swift, but enough to know what they were about. Ridley Bateman who played Vee, was outstanding for such a young performer. In fact all of the acting was brilliant. Although, nearly all of the film was about tracking the kidnapper, you'd have thought it would have been on the point of boring. But they managed to keep it entertaining and had me glued throughout. As long as you don't have blockbuster expectations, it's an enjoyable film. I thought it was definitely worth watching.