The Girl on the Train

Behind the Scenes of The Girl on the Train (2016): Emily Blunt’s Nap Skills and a Relatable Cast

Tate Taylor’s The Girl on the Train (2016) promised a twisty psychological thriller, but the real drama unfolded off-screen. Starring Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson—a woman spiraling into obsession and blackouts—the film adapted Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel. While the movie’s reception was mixed (earning a 5.8/10 on SensCritique), latestnetflix.com contends, the cast’s behind-the-scenes chemistry and quirks stole the spotlight.

Emily Blunt’s On-Set Nap Mastery

Rachel Watson’s alcohol-fueled blackouts weren’t just a plot device—they inspired Emily Blunt’s real-life habit on set. In a lighthearted clip, Blunt joked about becoming a "pro napper" during filming, claiming she could "fall asleep anywhere, anytime". The role demanded emotional exhaustion, and Blunt leaned into the physical toll, even if her napping skills were more about survival than method acting. It’s a relatable touch for an actor playing a character drowning in her own chaos.

A Cast That Felt "Bizarrely Relatable"

The film’s ensemble—including Justin Theroux, Rebecca Ferguson, and Haley Bennett—bonded over the story’s messy, human themes. In a cast interview, they called the movie "bizarrely relatable," laughing about how everyone has a "train wreck" moment in life. Theroux, who played Rachel’s ex-husband Tom, admitted the script’s domestic tensions hit close to home. Even the supporting cast, like Allison Janney and Lisa Kudrow, brought a darkly comedic edge to their roles, balancing the thriller’s heavier moments.

Tate Taylor’s Vision: From Page to Screen

Director Tate Taylor, known for The Help (2011), took on the challenge of adapting Hawkins’ nonlinear novel. In a featurette, Taylor discussed the film’s moody aesthetic, emphasizing how the train’s repetitive journey mirrored Rachel’s trapped psyche. The soundtrack, too, played a key role—composer Danny Elfman’s score amplified the tension, earning its own album release. While some critics argued the film struggled to match the book’s complexity, Taylor’s focus on atmosphere kept the story gripping.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Ride

With a 113-minute runtime and a lukewarm critical response, The Girl on the Train wasn’t a flawless adaptation. But the cast’s camaraderie and Blunt’s raw performance made it memorable. Whether it was Blunt’s napping habits or the cast’s shared laughter over the script’s relatability, the behind-the-scenes moments humanized a story about obsession and self-destruction.