The Johnny Depp Thriller On Netflix That Is Almost Too Creepy

By Doug Norrie | Published

We know that Johnny Depp can do funny creepy. It’s been a big part of his career. But sometimes he just goes creepy and that’s where the magic (such as it were) really happens. With that in mind, prepare to have the goosebumps raise a bit as Johnny Depp leads the psychological thriller Secret Window, now available for streaming on Netflix. 

Directed by David Koepp and based on Stephen King’s novella, Secret Window takes audiences on a twisted journey through the mind of a troubled writer. And it will leave Johnny Depp fans wondering how they even rooted for him as Captain Jack Sparrow to begin with.

In Secret Window Johnny Depps plays a reclusive author struggling with writer’s block after a bitter divorce

In Secret Window, Johnny Depp portrays Mort Rainey, a successful but reclusive author struggling with writer’s block after a bitter divorce. Isolated in a cabin deep in the woods, Mort’s life takes an eerie turn when a mysterious stranger named John Shooter (played by John Turturro) accuses him of plagiarism. As Mort becomes increasingly entangled in a web of paranoia and uncertainty, he must confront his demons and solve the enigma of John Shooter’s identity before it’s too late.

johnny depp

The film’s suspenseful plot and Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Mort Rainey keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. Depp effortlessly transitions from brooding introspection to moments of sheer terror, adding depth and nuance to Mort Rainey’s troubled psyche.

Released in 2004, Secret Window received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its gripping narrative, others felt that the movie leaned too heavily on conventional thriller tropes. However, the film found success with audiences, thanks in large part to Depp’s compelling portrayal of Mort Rainey.

Johnny Depp’s Career Highs And Lows

Johnny Depp

From his breakout role as Edward Scissorhands to iconic characters like Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Depp’s on-screen presence has captivated audiences over the years. In Secret Window, he leads the way in immersing viewers into the enigmatic world of a tormented writer.

And there’s a reason that fans keep flocking back to the actor and his work. The dude, for all of his peccadillos, definitely has range. Johnny Depp’s career is filled with diverse roles that have made him a prominent figure on the big screen (and, of course, the tabloids). 

On the latter point, Johnny Depp’s recent years have been less about his movie work and more about the fallout from his marriage to Amber Heard

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s relationship has been a subject of much media attention and controversy. The two actors met on the set of the film The Rum Diary in 2009 and got married in 2015. However, their marriage soon became the center of a highly publicized legal battle.

Johnny Depp’s career was sidetracked and nearly canceled after his embarrassing divorce from Amber Heard and subsequent defamation trials.

In 2016, Heard filed for divorce and accused Depp of domestic violence, obtaining a restraining order against him. The allegations led to a heated legal battle, with both sides making various claims and counterclaims. The case drew significant media scrutiny and polarized public opinion.

The controversies surrounding their relationship continued to make headlines for years, with leaked videos, audio recordings, and testimonies adding fuel to the fire. The legal battle between Depp and Heard resulted in defamation lawsuits, further escalating tensions. Eventually, things reached a head with both taking the stand in court and Depp did seem to win the day with the rulings. From that perspective, his career is getting back on track now.

Johnny Depp Amber Heard verdict
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp

While we wait for more Johnny Depp roles to come about (and they almost surely will), there are still some streaming options for the great actor.

As the suspenseful story of Secret Window unfolds, Depp’s magnetic presence keeps viewers invested until the very end. The film’s intriguing plot, combined with Depp’s performance, makes it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those seeking an engaging cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Secret Window on Netflix offers a thrilling journey into the depths of a troubled mind. With a suspenseful plot and Depp’s portrayal of Mort Rainey, the film captivates audiences and keeps them at the edge of their seats. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to unravel the mystery in Secret Window, a psychological thriller that will leave you spellbound.