'9 Windows' Is A Chilling Look Into Personal Trauma [Movie Review]

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9 Windows is a new film both written and directed by Lou Simon (Hazmat, Agoraphobia), starring William Forsyth, Michael Paré, and Diane Garle. We recently had the chance to check it out and wanted to share some of our thoughts! Slight spoilers follow.

The story centers around a girl named Liza, who is left paralyzed after a tragic car accident that kills her parents. Stuck in a wheelchair, she now spends most of her time trolling people on the web. Things take a dark turn when she witnesses a murder online. The police don’t believe her, so she takes it upon herself to find the killer. I won’t spoil the whole film, but that’s the main gist.

Diane Garle delivers a standout performance as Liza, capturing both her trauma and resilience. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about her character, but as the film progressed, I couldn’t help but empathize with her. The movie dedicates significant time to exploring how Liza lives and copes with the aftermath of her accident, and Garle’s grounded performance makes her journey feel authentic and real. While the film centers on the mystery of the killer, its deeper narrative explores personal demons and how we choose—or fail—to move on from them.

The cast is well chosen. William Forsyth is as compelling as ever as Detective Boyle, bringing weight and gravitas to the role, while Michael Paré plays Agent Thurgood with his signature flair. The two share a history as former partners, and their on-screen dynamic hints at a fascinating backstory. I’d gladly watch a spinoff exploring their past.

I also want to highlight Christopher Millan, who plays Jeff L. Barrios, Liza’s physical therapist and confidant. Millan and Garle share excellent on-screen chemistry. Jeff is by Liza’s side for much of the film, and his character feels genuine and sincere throughout. His evident care for Liza adds a heartfelt layer to the story, elevating the film as a whole.

I was impressed with how seamlessly everything comes together. There are many moving parts, yet Lou Simon has crafted a compelling story with well-timed twists. The pacing is spot on, maintaining momentum while preserving an ominous sense of mystery and suspense. This is a testament to the strength of the writing. As Liza delves deeper into the mystery, we become more invested in uncovering the truth alongside her. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s well worth sticking around for.

9 Windows isn’t particularly gory or conventionally scary in the sense of ghosts or monsters, but it manages to disturb and unsettle effectively. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a dark, character-driven murder mystery with a slow, simmering burn.