Emily Blunt delivered a gripping, tour-de-force performance in the psychological thriller The Girl on the Train, directed by Tate Taylor.
Based on Paula Hawkins’s best-selling novel, which you can buy on Amazon, Blunt plays Rachel Watson, an emotionally unraveling alcoholic entangled in a chilling missing person case. Though the film drew mixed reviews, Blunt’s raw and haunting portrayal earned widespread critical acclaim.
Despite criticism that Emily Blunt was too attractive for the role of an alcoholic, makeup artists used techniques inspired by real alcoholics and Blunt’s pregnancy to make her look more haggard (Credit: Universal Pictures)
How Blunt Embodied the Complexities of Alcoholism
Emily Blunt fully immersed herself in the role of Rachel Watson, capturing the emotional and physical toll of alcoholism with striking authenticity in The Girl on the Train. To achieve the character’s disheveled appearance, she wore bloodshot contact lenses and subtle facial prosthetics.
Remarkably, she also kept her early pregnancy private during filming, adding to the challenge of the demanding role. Blunt and her husband, John Krasinski, welcomed their second daughter, Violet, in June 2016.
One of her most acclaimed moments came during an Alcoholics Anonymous scene, filmed in a single take—her visible discomfort and raw vulnerability were entirely real, adding unforgettable authenticity to the performance.
Emily Blunt, dressed in character as Rachel Watson, wears a long tweed coat, plaid scarf, and weathered oxford-style shoes while filming The Girl on the Train in New York City on November 4, 2015 (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)
Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote that Blunt “is perfection, playing the hell out of this blackout drunk and adding a touch of welcome empathy. Blunt digs into the role like an actress possessed – there’s not an ounce of vanity here, and she keeps her real English accent to portray a Brit transplant on the ropes in New York.”
Emily Blunt earned BAFTA and SAG Award nominations for her powerful performance in The Girl on the Train, which premiered in the U.S. on October 7, 2016. At the time of release, Blunt was 33, with co-stars Rebecca Ferguson (32), Haley Bennett (28), Justin Theroux (45), Luke Evans (37), Allison Janney (56), Édgar Ramírez (39), and Lisa Kudrow (53) rounding out the ensemble cast.
Emily Blunt Stuns in Alexander McQueen Dress at ‘The Girl on the Train’ Premiere
Just a few months after welcoming her second child, Violet, with husband John Krasinski, Emily Blunt stunned the world at the London premiere of The Girl on the Train (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
One month before the movie adaptation of the best-selling novel, ‘The Girl on the Train,’ was set to hit the theaters in the United States, the cast was already making the rounds promoting the movie.
They held a world premiere in London, with Emily Blunt leading the pack.
Emily Blunt chose to grace the red carpet in a magnificent Alexander McQueen floor-length gown adorned with sequin embroidery, exuding an ethereal aura (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
The then-33-year-old plays the main female protagonist in the movie. While she looked nondescript and somber in the film, she pulled all the fashion stops at the world premiere in this stunning dress.
Emily Blunt donned a tulle gown with meticulously crafted sequin “caravan” embroidery from Alexander McQueen’s pre-spring 2017 collection (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
While filming her movie, Emily reportedly hid her pregnancy, but you couldn’t tell based on the Alexander McQueen Resort 2017 piece she chose for the promotion.
Emily Blunt effortlessly sported a natural, “just-woke-up-like-this” beauty look, complemented by an updo enhanced by a strategically placed bejeweled headband (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
The ornate dress features embroidered flowers and structured long sleeves. Emily’s styling team added a pair of Christian Louboutin heels, Ruth Tomlinson jewelry, and a Jennifer Behr headpiece to complete this look.
Emily Blunt’s kohl-rimmed smoky eye artfully highlighted the dress’s darker beading, adding a touch of autumnal allure (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
This exquisite haute couture ensemble epitomizes the type of look we’ve learned to expect and deeply admire from the actress.
Emily Blunt with a pearl and gold flower crown intricately woven into her updo at “The Girl on the Train” world premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on September 20, 2016 (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
While her heels weren’t visible beneath the floor-length Alexander McQueen gown, they gave Emily Blunt, who stands 5ft 6½ (168.9 cm), a lift.
Standing beside 6-foot-tall (182.9 cm) Luke Evans, the added height subtly narrowed the gap, enhancing the gown’s elongating effect.
Emily Blunt dazzles in a floor-length, floral-embroidered Alexander McQueen gown alongside co-star Luke Evans in a sharp navy suit (Credit: Joe / WENN / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)
More Emily Blunt Fashion Moments to Explore
From red carpet glamour to promotional appearances, Emily Blunt consistently showcases impeccable style. Dive into some of her most memorable fashion moments:
Emily Blunt Promotes The Girl on the Train in Sova Ostrich Sandals
- Event: BBC Radio 1 Studios Appearance
- Outfit: Floral-patterned midi skirt by Sachin & Babi paired with a sheer Burberry top.
- Footwear: Christian Louboutin ‘Sova’ ostrich sandals in ecru and black.
- Read more: Emily Blunt’s chic promotional look for The Girl on the Train
Emily Blunt’s Height and Shoe Size Details
- Insight: At 5 feet 6½ inches, Emily Blunt often opts for heels to complement her stature.
- Shoe Size: US size 7 (EU 37.5, UK 5, JP 23.5).
- Discover more: Emily Blunt’s height and footwear choices
Emily Blunt’s SAG Awards Look: Roberto Cavalli Gown & Louboutin Heels
- Event: Screen Actors Guild Awards
- Outfit: Sheer Burberry top with a floral Sachin & Babi skirt.
- Footwear: Christian Louboutin ‘Sova’ ostrich sandals.
- See more: Emily Blunt’s elegant SAG Awards ensemble
These highlights underscore Emily Blunt’s status as a fashion icon, seamlessly blending classic elegance with contemporary trends.