The 2025 Telugu-language film 9 Windows is a gripping crime-horror thriller that delves into the world of online voyeurism, tragic loss, and the pursuit of justice. Directed by Lou Simon, the film stars William Forsythe, Michael Paré, and Diana Garle in key roles. Despite its promising premise, the movie’s execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed reception and a rather disappointing IMDB rating of 3.5/10. In this review, we will take a detailed look at the plot, characters, direction, performances, and overall impact of 9 Windows, to understand why the film fails to make a lasting impression.

Plot Overview:

9 Windows centers on Liza, a young woman whose life is shattered after a tragic accident that kills both of her parents. Left wheelchair-bound and emotionally devastated, Liza channels her frustration and grief into a rather unconventional hobby: trolling vloggers. Her obsession with watching and commenting on their videos leads her to become an unwilling witness to a disturbing event—a murder streamed live on the internet.

However, when she tries to alert the authorities, they dismiss her claims as a hoax, skeptical of her credibility. In a twist of fate, Liza takes matters into her own hands, becoming an amateur detective and seeking out the truth behind the gruesome killing. With no one else to trust, she plunges deeper into the dark web of crime, only to discover that the more she digs, the more she risks becoming a target herself.

Thematic Exploration:

At its core, 9 Windows explores themes of grief, isolation, and the dark side of technology. Liza’s physical disability symbolizes her emotional and psychological paralysis following her parents’ death, and the film reflects how trauma can warp one’s perception of the world. The character’s descent into online voyeurism underscores the film’s examination of the internet’s role in modern life, where reality and fiction often blur together. The murder, seemingly witnessed by Liza, forces her to confront the idea of truth in an age where everyone has a voice, but not everyone is willing to listen.

Additionally, 9 Windows also touches on the theme of justice—or the lack thereof—especially in a world where the police and other authorities fail to take threats seriously. The film raises questions about the reliability of digital evidence and the vulnerability of those who live their lives through the lens of social media.

Character Development:

Liza, the protagonist, is a complex character shaped by the tragic accident that left her unable to walk. Initially, she comes across as a typical recluse, hiding behind the anonymity of the internet as a means of coping with her grief. Her tendency to troll vloggers and online personalities is an expression of her anger and frustration with the world, a way to lash out without facing the emotional turmoil within her.

As the plot progresses, Liza transforms from a passive observer to an active seeker of justice. Her journey from grief-stricken isolation to empowerment is the emotional heart of the film. However, the character development is not entirely seamless. Liza’s sudden shift into investigative mode seems rushed and lacks the depth needed to make it believable. Her emotional arc feels underdeveloped, leaving audiences struggling to fully empathize with her actions.

The supporting characters—played by William Forsythe, Michael Paré, and Diana Garle—are relatively one-dimensional. Forsythe plays the role of a grizzled detective who seems to be there mainly to provide comic relief, while Paré’s character is a mysterious figure with questionable motives. Garle’s role is more passive, often serving as a mere sounding board for Liza’s revelations rather than an active participant in the plot. These characters’ lack of depth detracts from the film’s overall impact, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with the storyline.

Direction and Cinematography:

Lou Simon, known for his work in the thriller and horror genres, attempts to blend elements of crime, horror, and suspense in 9 Windows. While the concept of the film has great potential, Simon’s direction falls short in fully realizing it. The pacing of the film is erratic—some scenes drag on far too long, while others feel rushed, particularly when Liza transitions from a passive observer to an active investigator.

The cinematography, though competent, fails to bring anything new or exciting to the genre. The visuals are rather standard, with a few attempts at creating tension through dimly lit settings and atmospheric shots, but the overall effect is lackluster. The constant use of digital screens, webcams, and surveillance footage serves to enhance the film’s technological theme, but at times it feels overly reliant on gimmicks rather than strong visual storytelling.

The film’s horror elements, while present, are not particularly terrifying or original. The murder sequences are straightforward, and the attempts at jump scares are predictable. The movie does a fair job of building tension, but the lack of payoff in the final act weakens the overall impact of the horror genre.

Performances:

The performances in 9 Windows are serviceable, though none stand out as particularly remarkable. Diana Garle as Liza delivers a decent performance, capturing the essence of a woman broken by loss and striving for justice. However, her emotional range is limited, and at times, her reactions feel stiff, making it hard to engage with her character on a deeper level.

William Forsythe, as the seasoned detective, plays his role with the expected gravitas, but his performance lacks the nuance that would have made his character truly memorable. Michael Paré’s portrayal of the enigmatic figure who may or may not be involved in the crime feels generic. None of the characters are given enough depth or complexity to elevate the performances beyond their surface-level portrayals.

Script and Dialogue:

The script of 9 Windows struggles to balance its multiple genres. The dialogue often feels forced, especially when the characters are explaining their actions or motivations. Liza’s monologues, in particular, come off as contrived and lacking authenticity, as if the film is trying too hard to convey its themes. The interactions between characters are often stilted, and the overall writing doesn’t give the actors much room to breathe.

The film’s use of online platforms and digital media to convey key plot points is an interesting choice, but the execution is weak. The idea of Liza trolling vloggers as a form of catharsis is an intriguing concept, but it’s not fully explored. Instead, the script often resorts to cliched horror tropes, making the film feel more like a formulaic thriller than a fresh take on the genre.

Technical Aspects:

The film’s production quality is adequate for a WEB-HD release, but it doesn’t stand out in terms of technical excellence. The 720p video quality is clear enough for most scenes, though it occasionally falters during darker sequences where the detail is lost. The sound design is passable, with the occasional use of eerie sound effects to create suspense, but nothing that elevates the film to a higher standard.

The film’s pacing suffers due to the overuse of online footage, which at times distracts from the central narrative. The reliance on webcams and streaming videos becomes repetitive, reducing the emotional impact of key scenes.

Conclusion:

In the end, 9 Windows is a film with a strong premise but weak execution. Its potential as a crime-horror thriller is overshadowed by underdeveloped characters, lackluster performances, and a script that fails to fully capture the tension it aims for. While the film explores some interesting themes surrounding the dangers of online life and the pursuit of justice in a digital world, it ultimately falls short of its goals.

The movie’s IMDB rating of 3.5/10 is a reflection of its inability to resonate with audiences or critics alike. While it may have a few moments of intrigue, 9 Windows fails to deliver the thrills or emotional depth required to make it a standout entry in the genre. Fans of crime and horror may find some enjoyment in the film’s premise, but they are likely to be left unsatisfied by the weak storytelling and lackluster execution.