The Cry of the Owl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man stalks woman, woman stalks man, ex-wife stalks everyone, and an owl cries somewhere in the background… probably about the bad decisions being made.

🍿 The Cry of the Owl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Robert’s New Life

Robert Forrester, escaping a messy divorce and battling depression, moves to a quiet small town and starts a new job. Seeking solace, he finds himself drawn to Jenny Thierolf, a young woman living alone in a rural house. He begins to watch her from the woods at night, captivated by what seems like a simple, happy life.

An Unlikely Encounter

One night, Jenny catches Robert spying on her. Instead of being alarmed, she invites him in for coffee. She shares her belief in fate and signs, intrigued by Robert’s presence. This encounter sparks an unusual connection between them, leading to a complex and increasingly obsessive relationship.

Jealousy and Disappearance

Jenny breaks up with her boyfriend, Greg, to pursue a relationship with Robert, causing tension and jealousy. Greg confronts Robert, and a violent altercation ensues. Soon after, Greg disappears, and Robert becomes the prime suspect in his disappearance, leading to suspicion and escalating danger.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Forrester (Paddy Considine): A troubled and depressed aeronautics designer who escapes the city and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of obsession after stalking a young woman.
• Jenny Thierolf (Julia Stiles): A young woman living in a rural area who becomes inexplicably attracted to her stalker, leading to a series of unsettling events.
• Nickie Grace (Caroline Dhavernas): Robert’s manipulative and vindictive ex-wife who continues to exert a toxic influence on his life.
• Greg Wyncoop (James Gilbert): Jenny’s jealous and volatile ex-boyfriend who becomes a threat to Robert after Jenny breaks up with him.
• Jack Neilson (Gord Rand): Robert’s friend who distances himself when Robert becomes a suspect in Greg’s disappearance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Susie Escham: “I think people who lose their hearts too easily are never very happy in life.” – Susie shares her perspective on relationships and happiness, hinting at the potential for heartbreak.
• Jenny Thierolf: “Things happen for a reason.” – Jenny expresses her belief in fate and destiny, which drives her actions throughout the story.
• Nickie Grace: “Some people in your life inevitably bring nothing but poison.” – Nickie’s cynical remark underscores the destructive relationships and events that unfold.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $32,572

💥 The Cry of the Owl Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Cry of the Owl’ to be strangely compelling. The movie’s atmosphere kept me on edge, and I couldn’t predict what was coming next. Paddy Considine was great to watch. The way that the storyline makes a viewer think is something I really appreciated.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Patricia Highsmith adaptations”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories with ambiguous endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Thematic elements of stalking and mental instability”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A scrupulous adaptation of the novel with the same title. I very much liked Julia Stiles here, she’s totally convincing as the subdued but inwardly resolved Jenny who turns the quiet life of recluse Robert upside down. Apart from the casting of Considine this is an excellent movie.
• FilmFanatic: “The Cry of the Owl is not your typical thriller. It unfolds with a deliberate pace, focusing on the internal struggles of its characters. The film creates an unsettling atmosphere, forcing you to confront uncomfortable truths about obsession and the human psyche.

Audience Reactions

The movie provides enough twists to make it captivating.: Most viewers liked the dark tone and the focus on psychological elements.

Overall Consensus: A darkly intriguing psychological drama that may not be for everyone, but offers something special for fans of Patricia Highsmith’s work.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, known for her psychological thrillers.”
• “The movie is a co-production between American, British, Canadian, French, and German film companies.”
• “Sarah Polley was originally cast as Jenny Thierolf but was replaced by Julia Stiles shortly before filming began.”
• “Jamie Thraves, primarily known for music videos, wrote and directed the film, bringing a unique visual style to the thriller genre.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Cry of the Owl?

As of October 2024, ‘The Cry of the Owl’ (2009) is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. You can also search for purchase options on physical media retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Cry of the Owl, you might like these similar films:

• Strangers on a Train (1951): Another psychological thriller based on a Patricia Highsmith novel, exploring themes of obsession and guilt.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Also based on a Highsmith novel, features a protagonist with a troubled past who becomes entangled in a web of deception and murder.
• Diabolique (1955): A suspenseful thriller involving betrayal, murder, and psychological manipulation.
• The Gift (2015): A modern thriller exploring themes of stalking, revenge, and the unsettling return of a troubled past.

🛒 The Cry of the Owl Related Products

• Strangers on a Train (The Criterion Collection): Experience Hitchcock’s masterpiece of suspense, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel. A must-have for any fan.
• Ripley’s Game (DVD): Watch John Malkovich as Tom Ripley, in this excellent Patricia Highsmith adaptation of Ripley’s Game.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Alfred Hitchcock: Alfred Hitchcock Pop Figurine that’ll look amazing on your desk.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley: A Novel: Read the acclaimed novel that inspired the movie. Delve deeper into Patricia Highsmith’s world of suspense and intrigue.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Cry of the Owl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Real Life” – performed by Joan As Policewoman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

SATISFYING CONTOUR BLENDING VIDEO!!! | Sydney Morgan #shorts

Ever wonder how makeup artists achieve those flawless looks in movies? Check out this contour blending video – it’s oddly satisfying and you might even pick up some tips for yourself!

Rebecca Zamolo Shaved Her Head and Matt Reacts

Imagine having to shave your head for a role! Watch Matt’s reaction as Rebecca Zamolo makes a big transformation, it’s pretty funny and shows commitment!

Batman OUTSMARTS ClueMaster’s Smartness! | #youtubeshorts #explorepage #batman #dccomics #robin #dc

Love a good Batman battle of wits? This short clip showcases Batman outsmarting the ClueMaster, its really good to see them and you should watch it!

If by Rudyard Kipling – Read by Sir Michael Caine

Sir Michael Caine reciting Kipling’s ‘If’ poem? It’s incredibly moving and insightful, and it’s really interesting to hear it read by such a brilliant actor, you’ll love it!

✨ Rate