The Girl in the Book

Released Dec 11, 2015

1 hr. 28 min.

Drama

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93%

14 Reviews

Tomatometer

56%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

A book editor (Emily VanCamp) confronts difficult memories when she crosses paths with the older man (Michael Nyqvist) who befriended her as a teen.

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Audience Member

I am seeing this movie less as a rom-com and more of survival and finding a voice against sexual abuse all be it amidst the glamour of the NY publishing scene. Let us face it Michael Nyvqvists Milan Daneker character is basically a sexual predator in the guise of a novelist who uses the young (underage) Alice for his own gratification both sexually and literally in his novel. Even Alices parents side with Daneker when confronted. Where does that leave Alice? The reacquaintance with Danekar 15 years on has stirred up unpleasant memories. Confused, angry and reactive she makes irrational choices which alienates her from her friends, family and the love she has finally found in Emmett. She knows she has to work through this to regain the trust, love and respect from those she loves especially Emmett who she does not want to lose. It's a painful process as the fear of rejection cuts like a knife. The cast is absolutely top-notch and Emily Van Camp is wonderful as Alice. She does angst so damn well. Ali Ahn is a standout as the most stable link in Alice's life her best friend Sadie. A predictable ending, but hey kept me enthralled for 2 hours!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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mauro l

Doesn't anyone really complain about the excessive literariness of stories like this? (Mauro Lanari)

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Difficult and unflinchingly honest, infuriating and appropriately uncomfortable. It's a less-ambitious Fish Tank, yet I found myself much more engaged with it. I think that's because it's a more full look at how statutory rape can destroy a life; maybe not dramatically or all at once, but subtly and over a lifetime. Nyqvist is so great; slimy, abusive, creepy, and just plain awful. We really didn't know what we had in him.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Terrible film. Frustratingly slow pace that never picked up, even for a few minutes. Performances were patchy, dialogue was inconsequential, trajectory of storyline was obvious from the beginning but leadenly eeked out as though it was revelatory. The main character is portrayed as flawed following another's thoughtless actions, but really her narcissism was just looking for something to sling-shot around. Avoid.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Incredible movie. Just so real to life, I could actually feel every emotion Alice felt. Emily's acting skills really gave this story life

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

Emily VanCamp gives a brilliant layered and memorable performance. Writer/director Marya Cohn, making her feature debut, creates an intelligence and first-rate story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Marya Cohn

Director

Emily VanCamp

Alice Harvey

Michael Nyqvist

Milan Daneker

David Call

Emmett Grant

Michael Cristofer

Dad

Talia Balsam

Mom

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The Girl in the Book: Trailer 1

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

"The Girl in the Book" proves to be anything but a page-turner.

Dec 10, 2015

Full Review

Soren Andersen

Seattle Times

From time to time, Cohn allows a few rays of light to penetrate the gloom and suggest that Alice may find a way transcend her despair. It's a small measure of relief from the overall mood of hopelessness.

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 10, 2015

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Andy Webster

New York Times

The director, Ms. Cohn, making her feature debut, wrote the script and handily keeps the story's many elements in motion.

Dec 10, 2015

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David Bax

Battleship Pretension

The Girl in the Book works best as an illustration of the long-term emotional and psychological effects of rape and abuse.

Jan 7, 2021

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Jason Best

Movie Talk

Fittingly, at a time when the issue of sexual harassment is more urgent and raw than ever, this subtly compelling drama portrays a young woman grappling with the long-term repercussions of her teenage encounters with a predatory older man.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 23, 2017

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

For a for a first feature-length film from Cohn, it's a great showing and leaves you wanting to know want Cohn will do next.

Nov 16, 2017

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Synopsis

A book editor (Emily VanCamp) confronts difficult memories when she crosses paths with the older man (Michael Nyqvist) who befriended her as a teen.

Director: Marya Cohn
Executive Producer: Daniel J. Cunningham, Courtney Daniels, Nick Quested
Screenwriter: Marya Cohn
Distributor: Freestyle Releasing
Production Co: Varient, Busted Buggy Entertainment
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 11, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 2, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.2K

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