The Woman in the Fifth

The Woman in the Fifth, released in 2011, is a chilling, suspenseful, and psychological tied drama film. Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, this Franco-British and Polish co-production is an adaptation of Douglas Kennedy's 2005 novel of the same name. The film's leading roles were skillfully brought to life by the acclaimed and talented actors, Ethan Hawke, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Joanna Kulig.

The plot is placed in the intriguing, ever-enigmatic city of Paris, aptly hued with the dark thriller narrative. Ethan Hawke plays Tom Ricks, a down-on-his-luck American writer who has embarked on a journey to France with the hope of reuniting with his estranged wife and daughter, after his life spirals out of control in the States. However, he soon finds out that his efforts are unwelcome, which intensifies his disillusionment and despair.

Penniless and homeless, Tom lands a job as a night guard for a seedy motel located in the murky outskirts of the city. The job comes with a perk - a low-ceiling room located underneath the motel. While not ideal, this room becomes his refuge. As he grapples with his solitude, he ventures into writing again, reflecting on his desolate life.

Balancing this narrative is the titular "woman in the fifth," Margit, whose portrayal by the remarkable actress Kristin Scott Thomas adds further depth to the bewildering storyline. Margit is a mysterious, seductive, and alluring widow who lives in the upscale part of Paris, known as the Fifth arrondissement. Tom and Margit's lives cross paths at a literary party, and they soon engage in a passionate, whirlwind affair—setting him off into an unraveled path of love, lust, confusion, and even suspicion.

However, beneath the seemingly refined exterior, Margit harbors her share of darkness and secrets. As their relationship progresses, the lines between reality and delusion become blurry for Tom, pushing him into a claustrophobic paranoia. The presence of Ania (skillfully portrayed by Joanna Kulig), a Polish barmaid who takes a curious interest in Tom, adds another intricate layer to the plot, creating a love triangle imbued with oblique suspense.

Throughout the film, Hawke delivers a standout performance, embodying the complex layers of a novelist battling his personal demons, struggling wakefully in the abyss between reality and illusion. His growing obsession with the enigmatic Margit, combined with his brooding paranoia, contributes to the palpable tension that persistently runs through the movie.

Kristin Scott Thomas shines as the enigmatic and mature Margit, bringing an uncanny blend of elegance and unease to her character. Joanna Kulig delivers an impressive performance as Ania, illuminating her role with quiet intensity and a sense of endearing vulnerability. The chemistry between the actors enhances the cryptic character interplays and their evolving dynamics, making it one of the film's strong points.

The Woman in the Fifth is a polarizing narrative of mystery, passion, and distress that expertly juggles elements of a noir thriller with psychological drama. Director Pawel Pawlikowski's masterful storytelling and his signature visual style are remarkable. He manages to infuse a haunting, hypnotic quality to the movie, often blurring the lines between the mundane and the uncanny, making it a thrilling experience for those willing to embrace its elusive nature.

Radek Ładczuk's cinematography creates an eerie, atmospheric haze that veils the city of Paris and complements the movie's overall disquieting vibe. The fading and dim-lit depiction of neighborhoods mirrors Tom's own crumbling reality, while the contrasting portrayal of Paris's gloom and elegance seems metaphorical to the polarities in various character personas.

The Woman in the Fifth is not just a film- it's an experience that forces audiences to question what they perceive as real and imaginary. With its artful narrative, the movie underlines the frail human psyche's complexity while exploring themes of desire, delusion, despair, and identity. Wrapped in subtle hues of a thriller, the film offers anxious and ambiguous introspection of human emotions. While it teases audiences on the edge of suspense, it also stands out as a poignant reflection on the neither-black-nor-white shades of life's realities and illusions.