🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Anna Foerster
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (36K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A suicidal grandma CIA agent has to rescue her son’s ex-girlfriend’s daughter during a storm, revealing all sorts of family drama and government conspiracies.
🍿 Lou: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Stormy Beginning
The film opens with Lou, a hardened woman living a solitary life on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. As a fierce storm approaches, her quiet existence is disrupted when her neighbor, Hannah, frantically seeks her help. Hannah’s young daughter, Vee, has been kidnapped.

The Hunt Begins
Lou, despite her initial reluctance, agrees to help Hannah track down the kidnapper. As they venture into the storm-ravaged wilderness, it becomes clear that Lou possesses skills and knowledge far beyond those of an ordinary landlady. They discover the kidnapper is Phillip, Vee’s father and Hannah’s abusive ex, presumed dead. The relentless pursuit tests their physical and emotional limits.

Secrets Revealed
As the two women close in on Phillip, dark secrets from both Lou and Hannah’s past begin to surface. Lou reveals she is a former CIA operative, trained in combat and espionage. Philip seems to be purposefully leaving clues for Lou, hinting at a deeper connection and a more complex history than initially understood.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lou (Allison Janney): A hardened and mysterious ex-CIA agent living in seclusion, forced to confront her past when a neighboring girl is kidnapped.
- Hannah (Jurnee Smollett): A desperate mother who enlists Lou’s help to rescue her kidnapped daughter from her abusive ex-husband.
- Philip (Logan Marshall-Green): Hannah’s ex-husband and Vee’s father, a former special forces soldier with a dark past and a vengeful agenda.
- Vee (Ridley Asha Bateman): The young daughter of Hannah, kidnapped by her father, becoming a pawn in a dangerous game.
- Sheriff Rankin (Matt Craven): The local sheriff who gets caught up in the unfolding drama, torn between his duty and a federal investigation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lou: “World’s not a playground. Teach your kid to look out for herself.” – Lou says this to Hannah early in the movie, highlighting her tough and unsentimental view of the world.
- Lou: “I did what I had to do.” – Said by Lou when pressed about her past actions, hinting at the difficult choices she made during her time in the CIA.
- Philip: “You chose them over me!” – Philip confronts Lou, expressing his resentment over her decision to prioritize her mission over their relationship.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $43,697
💥 Lou Reviews
Personal Review
I went into Lou expecting a standard action flick, but I was surprised by Allison Janney’s performance. Seeing her as a tough, grizzled ex-CIA agent was refreshing! The stormy setting really added to the suspense, and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters. The plot twist with her son was a bit much, but overall, I enjoyed the ride. It’s a solid, entertaining movie night choice.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action thrillers”
- “Viewers who enjoy strong female leads”
- “Those interested in stories with twists and secrets”
- “People who appreciate films set in atmospheric environments”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Kidnapping”
- “Abuse”
- “Strong language”
- “Suicide attempt”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Lou delivers a gritty action thriller with a solid lead performance by Allison Janney. The film avoids nostalgia porn, focusing on suspense and character development. Janney shines as a hardened loner, and the tense survival sequences keep you engaged. While the twist is predictable, it thematically works, making it an enjoyable watch.
- ScreenRant: “The story is absurd, with Allison Janney playing a former CIA agent. Despite the cast and acting being solid, the ridiculous plot diminishes the drama. Janney is always worth watching, even with limited dialogue and a poor script. Watch it if you’re a Janney fan with free time.
- IMDb: “The acting was good, direction seemed good, and photography fit the movie well with great scenery. The script had some terrible parts and the action scenes were too unrealistic. Predictable within 10 minutes.
Audience Reactions
Allison Janney’s performance elevates the entire movie!: Viewers generally praised Allison Janney’s performance and the gritty action sequences.
The stormy setting creates a tense and immersive experience.: Most enjoyed the wild forest landscapes as intriguing.
Overall Consensus: Allison Janney delivers a standout performance in a suspenseful but predictable action thriller set against a stormy backdrop.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Allison Janney did many of her own stunts in the film, showcasing her commitment to the physicality of the role.”
- “The film was shot in Vancouver Film Studios and on location in British Columbia, Canada, taking advantage of the region’s dense forests and rugged coastline to create the isolated island setting.”
- “Director Anna Foerster’s background as a cinematographer helped shape the film’s gritty and visually striking aesthetic, emphasizing the harsh environment of the Pacific Northwest.”
🖥️ How to Watch Lou?
Lou is currently streaming on Netflix. While a theatrical release is not available, keep an eye on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for potential digital purchase or rental options in the future. Check your local listings for any limited-time screenings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Lou, you might like these similar films:
- Taken (2008): Features a parent with a particular set of skills hunting down kidnappers to rescue their child.
- Thelma & Louise (1991): Explores themes of female empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity, with two women on the run.
- Hanna (2011): Involves a female protagonist with special combat skills protecting herself from a dangerous organization.
🛒 Lou Related Products
- Survival Kit Wilderness First Aid Kit: Contains everything needed for survival with a focus on first aid. This kit prepares you for unexpected emergencies in the wilderness, inspired by the survival skills of Lou in the movie.
- Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife: A durable, fixed blade knife essential for survival situations. This knife is reminiscent of the survival tools used by Lou in the movie, perfect for fans who appreciate rugged and reliable gear.
- The Art of Covert Communication: Influence People, Get What You Want and Detect Deception: This book offers invaluable insights into the art of persuasion and understanding others. It provides real strategies to influence people, negotiate effectively, detect deception, and build trust. You’ll learn to lead and inspire positive change, enhancing your decision-making, personal, and professional relationships.
- Copper Bracelet for Arthritis: Inspired by the bracelet the sheriff gives Lou, this copper bracelet can help with arthritis pain
🎧 Soundtrack
Lou features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, Lou is a standalone film with an original story, though its ambiguous ending leaves room for potential sequels.
Lou is a crime thriller about a woman with a mysterious past who must team up with a neighbor to rescue the neighbor’s daughter from a dangerous kidnapper during a raging storm.
Lou was filmed in Vancouver Film Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and on location in British Columbia standing in for the San Juan Islands.
The movie is set in the mid-1980s. Ronald Reagan’s speech about the Iran-Contra affair, 80’s music, and vehicles help determine this.
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