The Woman in Red is a strange, dusty little relic

Is it worth your time?

If you have a soft spot for 1930s courtroom dramas where everyone talks in that specific mid-Atlantic clipped accent, then sure, go for it. If you need pacing that feels like a modern thriller, you’re going to be bored out of your mind within twenty minutes.

It’s a weird, lopsided movie. It’s not quite a mystery and not quite a romance. It just sort of… exists.

Stanwyck doing the heavy lifting

Barbara Stanwyck is the only reason to really pay attention here. She’s got this way of looking at people like she’s already figured out they’re lying before they open their mouths. She’s brilliant, obviously, but the script gives her so little to actually sink her teeth into. It feels like she’s acting in a much better movie than the one the rest of the cast is in.

There’s a scene about halfway through where she’s just standing in a room and the camera lingers on her face for an eternity. I’m pretty sure the director just forgot to yell cut. It’s almost funny how long it goes on, but she makes it work anyway.

The "Horsy Set" vibe

The whole Long Island polo crowd setting feels like a stage play that was dragged out into the daylight. Everyone looks like they’re wearing costumes they aren't quite comfortable in. The polo scenes? Forget about them. They feel like stock footage meant to distract you from the fact that the plot is moving at the speed of a tired snail.

Compare this to something like Broken Lullaby where the mood actually feels consistent. Here, the tone shifts from 'serious murder investigation' to 'mild social comedy' whenever the script gets bored. It’s a bit jarring.

• The courtroom set looks like it’s made of cardboard and hope.
• I’m still not entirely sure why the polo player was so involved.
• The dialogue is sharp at times, then turns into pure mush for three pages.
• Is it just me, or does the lighting get weirdly dark whenever someone mentions the murder?

It’s not a film that’s going to haunt you. It’s more like a dusty book you find in an attic. You’ll read it, get a little confused by the plot, and then put it back on the shelf without much fuss. Maybe that’s enough.

Also, does anyone else think the judge looks like he’s about to fall asleep in every single shot? It’s oddly distracting. I found myself watching him more than the lead witness. 😴