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. What makes this particularly fascinating is how a movie with such a stellar cast and crew could slip through the cracks of public consciousness. It’s not just about Lou—it’s about the broader trend of streaming originals that feel like they’re designed to be forgotten.
The Streaming Paradox: Too Much, Yet Not Enough
Netflix has a peculiar habit of churning out action thrillers that, while not terrible, fail to leave a lasting impression. Lou falls squarely into this category. In my opinion, the problem isn’t the talent involved—Anna Foerster’s direction is solid, Allison Janney’s performance is magnetic, and Jurnee Smollett holds her own—but rather the formulaic nature of the genre itself. What many people don’t realize is that streaming platforms often prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in films that feel like they’ve been assembled by algorithm rather than artistry.
If you take a step back and think about it, Lou is a microcosm of this larger issue. It’s a well-executed but unremarkable film, and that’s both its strength and its downfall. It doesn’t push boundaries, but it doesn’t fail miserably either. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a shrug—competent but forgettable.
The 'Old Man Liam Neeson' Trope: Why It Works (Sometimes)
One thing that immediately stands out is Allison Janney’s portrayal of Lou Adell, a reclusive, gun-toting hermit who’s essentially the female answer to Liam Neeson’s Taken character. What this really suggests is that audiences still have an appetite for these kinds of stories, even if they’re overdone. There’s something comforting about the trope of a grizzled, retired badass forced back into action. It’s a formula, sure, but it’s a formula that works—when done right.
From my perspective, Janney’s performance is the highlight of Lou. She brings a depth to the character that elevates the material, even when the script feels clunky. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the film tries to explore the bond between Lou and Hannah (Smollett), two women scarred by their pasts. It’s a compelling dynamic, but the movie never fully commits to it, opting instead for predictable plot twists and action sequences.
The Visuals: Gritty, But Not Groundbreaking
Anna Foerster’s direction is steady, and she does a commendable job of capturing the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty. However, the film’s visual style feels a bit too familiar. The rain-soaked landscapes and dimly lit interiors give it a gritty texture, but they also make it blend in with countless other streaming thrillers. What makes this particularly frustrating is that Lou had the potential to stand out visually, but it never quite takes the leap.
The Script: A Missed Opportunity
The biggest issue with Lou is its script. While the core idea—two women bonding over shared trauma while rescuing a child—is intriguing, the execution falls flat. The plot twists feel forced, and the dialogue often veers into cliché. In my opinion, this is where the film loses its chance to be something more than just another Netflix thriller. If the writers had leaned harder into the emotional throughline instead of relying on action beats, Lou could have been a genuinely memorable film.
Why Lou Matters (Even If It Doesn’t Seem Like It)
Here’s the thing: Lou isn’t a bad movie. It’s just a movie that doesn’t try hard enough to be great. And maybe that’s the point. Streaming platforms have created a culture of disposable content, where films like Lou are consumed and forgotten in a matter of days. But if you take a step back and think about it, there’s value in these kinds of movies. They’re not groundbreaking, but they’re entertaining. They’re not perfect, but they’re human.
Personally, I think Lou is worth revisiting, if only to appreciate Allison Janney’s performance and the film’s attempt to explore themes of trauma and resilience. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a reminder that even in the sea of streaming mediocrity, there are moments of genuine artistry waiting to be discovered.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Streaming Thrillers
What Lou really suggests is that streaming platforms need to rethink their approach to original films. Instead of churning out forgettable content, why not invest in stories that take risks? Why not prioritize depth over formula? In my opinion, the future of streaming thrillers depends on breaking free from the xerox-of-a-xerox mentality. Until then, films like Lou will continue to exist in a strange limbo—not bad enough to be panned, but not good enough to be remembered.
And maybe that’s okay. After all, not every movie needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, it’s enough to be a solid, entertaining thriller with a great lead performance. Lou may not be perfect, but it’s a film that deserves a second look—if only to remind us of what could have been.
