The Woman in the Fifth

A 2011 French-British-Polish psychological thriller directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, based on Douglas Kennedy's novel of the same name. The film follows Tom Ricks (Ethan Hawke), an American writer who arrives in Paris to reconnect with his daughter living with his ex-wife. Struggling financially, he takes a peculiar night job as a guard in a seedy hostel, where his sole duty is to press a button when a bell rings. Tom embarks on a mysterious affair with Margit Kadar (Kristin Scott Thomas), a widow who imposes strict rules: meetings only twice a week at her apartment in the Fifth arrondissement, with no inquiries about her past. Simultaneously, he grows closer to Ania (Joanna Kulig), a Polish barmaid at the hostel, leading to a romantic involvement. Tom's life spirals as he's blackmailed by a neighbor who soon dies, his daughter disappears, and he senses a dark force influencing events. The police suspect him of murder, but discover that Margit died 15 years prior and her apartment has been unoccupied. Despite this, Tom continues to visit her, delving into a realm of illusions and inner turmoil. The film delves into themes of isolation, mental instability, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.