Joe Wright had to reshoot parts of 'The Woman In The Window' because it was too confusing
By the time The Woman In The Window is eventually released onto Netflix this year, it will have been nearly two-and-a-half years since the end of filming on the psychological thriller.
That delay is surprising given the calibre of talent that worked on the film.
Director Joe Wright has overseen the likes of Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour, writer Tracy Letts has won the Pulitzer Prize, Scott Rudin is one of the most acclaimed producers of his generation, while the actors include Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Anthony Mackie, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Watch: The Woman In The Window trailer
There have, of course, been various mitigating circumstances for the movie’s delays.
First of all, Disney bought 20th Century Fox, and the studio soon decided to delay The Woman In The Window, only for the COVID-19 pandemic to delay its release even further.
However, by August 2020, Netflix had decided to buy the film from the renamed 20th Century Studios.
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Wright has now revealed that there was another reason why the film was delayed, telling Entertainment Weekly that there “were some plot points that people found a bit confusing”.
This meant that, after numerous test screenings, filmmakers had to conduct reshoots to“clarify certain points”. At the same time, Wright also “tried to make sure we didn't oversimplify anything and make things too clear”.
“There's an enjoyment in not knowing what's going on, but at the same time, you have to give the audience something to hold on to – you have to lead them through the labyrinth of mystery and fear," he said.
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Wright said he believes the reshoots and changes have made the film stronger, adding that what he really hopes audiences take away from The Woman In The Window “is a sense that our own fears can incarcerate us”.
The Woman In The Window is due to be released on Netflix during the first half of 2021.