‘9 Windows’ (2024) Movie Review - A Gripping Plot

9 Windows is a psychological thriller that plunges viewers into the dark, twisted world of online voyeurism and a chilling game of cat-and-mouse. The story centers on Liza, a young woman whose life is shattered after a devastating car accident that claims the lives of her parents. Eighteen months later, she’s left not only physically disabled but emotionally crippled by guilt and loneliness. Confined to her apartment and unable to walk, Liza spends her days trolling vloggers on a local website—her outlet for anger and disconnection from the world.

One night, her late-night trolling takes a horrific turn when she stumbles upon a video of a man setting a dog on fire. Horrified, Liza immediately reports the incident to the local police, but Detective Boyle dismisses her complaint as a minor offense. Liza’s frustration is palpable, but as more videos begin surfacing, showing brutal human murders, Boyle is forced to take the matter seriously. What follows is a tense investigation that pairs Boyle with a retired FBI agent, who specializes in tracking serial killers. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the murderer is not just any killer—he’s meticulously mimicking the most notorious serial killers in history, each killing a twisted homage to the worst atrocities humanity has ever seen.

The heart of 9 Windows lies in Liza’s slow but steady transformation from an isolated, passive observer into an active participant in the investigation. As the killer becomes more daring and the police fumble to keep up, Liza uncovers a crucial clue: a fleeting reflection of the murderer’s face captured on the blade of a knife used in one of the killings. This discovery changes everything, and Liza’s shift from self-pity to empowerment is a key narrative arc. However, her breakthrough comes with a terrifying twist—having helped the police identify the killer, she now risks becoming his next target.

The film’s pacing keeps viewers on edge, with each new video raising the stakes and deepening the tension. Liza’s vulnerability as a disabled woman adds a layer of psychological complexity, making her battle not just against an external force but also against her inner demons of guilt and helplessness. The cinematography uses confined spaces and reflective surfaces to create a claustrophobic atmosphere, while the killer's gruesome re-creations evoke a haunting sense of history repeating itself in the most grotesque manner.

While 9 Windows doesn't shy away from gore, its real strength lies in its psychological suspense and the moral questions it raises about online anonymity, the dangers of detached voyeurism, and the complexities of human guilt. The film builds toward a chilling climax, leaving viewers wondering if Liza, in her search for justice, has unintentionally invited her own doom.

Yes as a word of caution, the movie is very graphic. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, as the story unveils a harrowing journey filled with distressing revelations. The filmmakers do not shy away from portraying the raw and painful experiences of the victim, making it a deeply intense and, at times, difficult watch. The cast does a great job. Diana Garle as Liza, Micheal Pare as Agent Larry, William Forsythe as Detective Tim Boyle, and others shine. But overall if the above doesn’t bother you, get ready for a good thriller watch.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times