The Neighbors’ Window (2019)
The Neighbors’ Window Review
The Neighbors’ Window is a 2019 live-action short film which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. It’s a moving flick.
It follows one family in NYC, in particular focusing on the wife who becomes a fascinated observer of her neighbors’ activities such as sex and parties. Her marriage is sexless and it consists of just caring for the kids all day, so she becomes immensely jealous of the youthful, energetic, young neighbors across the street. The film eventually becomes a bit too obvious in the message that it’s sending, and maybe even a bit contrived, but it was still powerful.
Her getting a reminder of how great her life actually is was quite emotional, and the film’s message that we always are envious of other people, even if we are happier than them, is truthful and important. The movie treats envy so realistically. The husband is fine, but Alli is the heart of the film, and this central acting performance is stupendous. I also really liked the production design as it is important for the overall story, and it being influenced by ‘Rear Window’ and not copying it in any way was a nice touch.
The Neighbors’ Window is a bit obvious in its ending, but still powerful in its message about the dangers of envy. It’s a very moving film.
