Greta

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Greta Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Dark, violent stalker thriller has strong performances.

R 2019 98 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 11 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Greta is a Neil Jordan-directed thriller about a young woman named Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz) who befriends the title character (Isabelle Huppert) -- who turns out to be a psychopathic stalker. Violence is the biggest concern and can be quite graphic: There's a severed finger, bashing with blunt objects, injections/drugged characters, guns/shooting, dead people (and a dead dog), a nightmare sequence, and jump scares. A young woman is shown naked in the bathtub, but nothing sensitive is seen. Somewhat infrequent language includes uses of "s--t," "bitch," "ass," "hell," and "goddamn." Characters drink socially: wine with dinner and cocktails in a nightclub. The material is pretty routine, but the fine direction and performances make it worth a look for mature viewers.

Community Reviews

Mike M.
Mike M. Adult
July 4, 2019
age 16+

Movie with interesting and creepy concept is at times boring

Greta is more creepy than scary, although the film does boast three or four mild jump scares. Greta has such an interesting concept. The idea of a female stalker and a female victim is refreshing but it is also easy to view this obsession as somewhat sexual. The acting performances by Huppert and Moretz are phenomenal here, very convincing and pleasantly surprising. Maika Monroe's role as Moretz's roommate Erica, however, feels a tad disappointing and forced. The camera work and the overall atmosphere in the movie is fantastic, with some beautifully executed and clever shots. There are a few heart pumping moments; for instance, when Greta follows Erica through Manhattan and sends Frances photos of her stalking activities as she gets closer to Erica. There is a certain level of dread and suspense that is accomplished and it is appealing. I don't think you'll be able to shake off the sound of the creepy piano either, even once the movie is over. In terms of the film's conclusion, it feels very drawn out and unsatisfying, to the point where boredom sets in and you get frustrated with the characters and their inaction. Frances's dad, in particular, is an unlikable character and lessens the story's impact. There is a twist at the end that regenerates interest in the film, but sadly the last moment in the film falls into territory of horror movie cliche. Expect some violent and frightening scenes which appear shocking, especially since the movie has a subtle and even "calm" tone in the beginning. These include Greta injecting medicine into her bloody, broken finger (this is a pretty lengthy shot), Greta's psychotic outbursts, overall peril and claustrophobic scenes (Frances gets trapped in an elevator in a dream sequence, locked in a toy chest and is visibly traumatized), a private investigator gets shot (off-screen), Greta stabs her victims in the neck with a needle, implicit animal abuse that may be upsetting, and many scenes revolving around slipping drugs into beverages. Swearing is minimal as far as I remember. The movie is definitely 16+ only as it is more mature than most traditional "horror" flicks.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Leofilmer
Leofilmer Adult
June 29, 2019
age 16+

Great Suspenseful, psychological horror movie.

I love this movie but it's not for teens

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In GRETA, Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz) is a kind young woman who's trying to make a go of it in New York after her mother's recent death. She's working as a server in a restaurant and rooming with her friend Erica (Maika Monroe). On the subway, Frances finds a purse, and -- too nice to discard it and steal the money inside -- she decides to return it to the address on the driver's license inside. A grateful Greta (Isabelle Huppert) comes to the door and invites Frances inside. Greta seems lonely, too, and Frances offers to help her adopt a dog. The women begin seeing more of each other, until Frances discovers an alarming secret in Greta's home. She tries to cut Greta out of her life but quickly discovers that Greta isn't so easily brushed off. Before long, things take a very dark turn.

Is It Any Good?

This thriller is cut from the same cloth as a dozen other psychopathic stalker movies, but director Neil Jordan's sure, insightful touch and the solid lead performances make it briskly entertaining. An intelligent, skilled storyteller, Jordan sometimes aims higher with his films (The Crying Game, Michael Collins, etc.), but he doesn't shy away from genre films like Greta. He embraces the silliness but also avoids going over the top. He establishes a New York that's neither bustling nor noisy, finding quiet spaces where loneliness sprouts. This quietness helps enrich the characters, as well as enhance the suspense.

The movie sometimes resorts to lazy genre shortcuts, such as the stalker character seemingly being able to know where everyone is at all times and able to sneak up on anyone from any distance. But the movie generates enough goodwill to get by. Best of all are the performances. Moretz is instantly appealing with her deep sadness and kindness, and Monroe's character is surprisingly nuanced as well. But this is Huppert's film; she's played dark characters before (Merci pour le Chocolat, The Piano Teacher, Elle), and she revisits that scary place with similarly bracing results. All of this helps elevate Greta and makes it worth seeing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Greta's violence. How intense is it? Is it exciting or disturbing? What's shown, and what's not shown? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How is Frances' act of kindness rewarded? What does the movie have to say about kindness and trust? Is it a positive or negative message?

  • What's the appeal of movies about psychopaths and stalkers? How does Greta compare to others you've seen?

  • Have you ever felt lonely or had a friendship where one person was more assertive than the other? How did it turn out? What was learned?

Movie Details

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