Here are the first images of Emily Blunt as Rachel in the upcoming adaptation of The Girl on the Train. It’s kind of non-news because it’s Emily Blunt. On a train.

But what I really wanted to talk about is how Paula Hawkins’ novel became a bestseller. It’s gotten a lot of comparisons to Gone Girl, because it’s a crime thriller told from the perspective of an unreliable female narrator. But it’s not nearly as good. It’s a page-turner, sure, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as Gillian Flynn’s book. Could director, Tate Taylor (The Help) take it to the next level?

It’s kind of like Rear Window, but a lot less glamorous. Rachel is an unemployed alcoholic who’s still getting over her ex-husband, played by Justin Theroux. On her daily commute by train, she fantasizes about a couple she’s dubbed “Jason and Jess”. One day she witnesses a transgression before “Jess” goes missing, and she makes herself a part of the investigation.

I know you’re wondering why the hell someone would do that, but voyeurism is a part of our culture. We’re obsessed with celebrities. We think we have the right to know what Kate Middleton’s baby looks like and how many centimeters dilated she was during labor. Today Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes were trending on Facebook because they were complaining about fans stalking their house. We’re all voyeurs to an extent.

Now that the first images are out, there should be a trailer/teaser any day now. I’ll keep you posted. For more on why they've changed the location from London to Manhattan, click here.

Image credit: Barry Wetcher

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