The Forgotten Thriller: Why 'Lou' Deserves a Second Look
There’s something oddly satisfying about stumbling upon a movie that feels like a hidden gem, even if it’s not perfect. Lou, the 2022 Netflix crime thriller produced by J.J. Abrams and starring Allison Janney, is one such film. Personally, I think it’s a prime example of how streaming platforms can both elevate and bury compelling stories. On paper, Lou has all the ingredients for success: a stellar cast, a seasoned director, and a premise that ticks all the boxes for a gritty action thriller. Yet, it’s likely you’ve either forgotten about it or never heard of it at all. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects a broader trend in streaming—a tendency to churn out content that feels formulaic yet fails to leave a lasting impression.
The Streaming Paradox: Quality vs. Quantity
Let’s be honest: Netflix’s original movies often feel like they’re playing it safe. Lou is no exception. In my opinion, the film suffers from what I call the “streaming curse”—it’s well-executed but lacks the spark that makes a movie unforgettable. Anna Foerster’s direction is solid, and Allison Janney’s performance as a gun-toting hermit is undeniably compelling. Yet, the script feels like it’s been run through a genre blender, relying on predictable plot twists and tropes we’ve seen a hundred times before. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just a Lou problem—it’s a systemic issue with streaming content. Platforms prioritize quantity over quality, and the result is a sea of forgettable films that blur into one another.
Allison Janney: The Unlikely Action Hero
One thing that immediately stands out is Allison Janney’s performance. She’s not your typical action star, and that’s precisely what makes her casting so intriguing. If you take a step back and think about it, the “cranky retiree with a deadly skillset” trope has been overdone since Taken. But Janney brings a depth to the role that transcends the cliché. Her character, Lou Adell, is a woman haunted by her past, and her chemistry with Jurnee Smollett’s Hannah Dawson adds a layer of emotional complexity to the film. This raises a deeper question: Why aren’t more women-led action films given the chance to break the mold? Lou could have been a groundbreaking entry in the genre, but it settles for being merely serviceable.
The Visuals: Gritty but Murky
A detail that I find especially interesting is the film’s visual style. Foerster’s background in cinematography shines through in the wilderness backdrops and rain-soaked scenes, which give Lou a distinct texture. However, the overall aesthetic feels overly dark—a common issue with streaming films that seem to prioritize mood over clarity. From my perspective, this is a missed opportunity. The Pacific Northwest setting could have been a character in itself, but instead, it’s reduced to a murky backdrop. What this really suggests is that even with talented filmmakers at the helm, streaming platforms often prioritize speed and efficiency over artistic vision.
The Bond Between Women: A Missed Opportunity
At its core, Lou is a story about two women who form an unlikely alliance in the face of adversity. This could have been the film’s strongest selling point, but the script gets in its own way. The plot twists and action sequences take center stage, leaving the emotional throughline underdeveloped. In my opinion, this is where Lou falls short. The bond between Lou and Hannah is compelling, but it’s overshadowed by the need to tick off genre conventions. What many people don’t realize is that stories about female solidarity are still rare in Hollywood, and when they’re done right, they can be powerful. Lou had the potential to be one of those stories, but it never fully commits.
The Future of Streaming Thrillers: A Call for Originality
If there’s one takeaway from Lou, it’s that streaming platforms need to take more risks. The film is a reminder that even with top-tier talent, a by-the-numbers approach will always yield forgettable results. Personally, I think the future of streaming thrillers lies in originality—not just in plot, but in perspective. Films like Lou should be the starting point, not the end goal. What this really suggests is that audiences are craving stories that challenge conventions, not just rehash them.
Final Thoughts
Lou isn’t a bad film—it’s just a forgettable one. And that’s a shame, because it has moments of brilliance. Allison Janney’s performance alone is worth the watch, and the film’s attempt to explore female camaraderie is commendable, even if it falls short. From my perspective, Lou is a cautionary tale for streaming platforms: talent and resources aren’t enough if you’re not willing to take risks. If you’re a Netflix subscriber looking for a solid but unspectacular thriller, Lou will do the trick. But if you’re hoping for something groundbreaking, you might want to look elsewhere.
