Everyone can remember the news stories about lone kids going on a killing spree in their schools. Stories about Columbine, Cal Tech or a recent one in a shopping mall in my own country shock. It’s incomprehensible why someone would do something like that. What we often forget is that these people have parents and that it’s hard to understand what they are going through. Are they to blame for what has happened, didn’t they raise their kid the right way? These are the questions that this movie explores. Does it manage to do so successfully?
When we first meet Eva (Tilda Swinton) we see her in a state of despair and depression. The color red is very dominant and once she opens her door it’s clear why as the front of her house is covered by red paint, which seems to have to be thrown on. When she’s out people look at her in a strange way and she never knows if someone will start cursing at her or even hit her. She’s the mother of Kevin, who is responsible of murdering several teenagers at his school. Eva is a shadow of who she used to be and all the joy in her life seems to have disappeared. As the movie progresses we slowly see the way in which Eva raised Kevin, together with her husband Franklin (John C. Reilly, who could have gotten more screentime). From the moment he’s born she seems to have issues with Kevin and as you are watching it the story starts to get under your skin and not let go of your emotions. Kevin isn’t a normal kid and has he grows older his acts become more extreme and you know something is wrong with him.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is not an easy movie to watch, which for a big part is thanks to the excellent acting work done by Swinton. She is convincing as a woman who is lost in her pain and emotions, frustrated by the way her son acted from a young age and not knowing how to deal with it. While I was watching I was thinking that kids would not act like Kevin did when he was very young, but I think it’s the point this movie also tries to make, that if something is wrong with a kid (for whichever reason) is it possible to still change them? Are the parents responsible? After watching this movie I still don’t know the answer, but it at least makes you think and give you an idea of what an impact such an event has on the lives of someone who raised the one responsible.
Score: 8
I really want to see this one. It looks right up my street.
Great write up my buddy
Thanks, it’s one that you won’t be watching comfortably, but that’s not always necessary when watching a movie 🙂
Wow, I didn’t really know what this film was about, just that Tilda Swinton was brillant in it. It sounds like a very difficult movie, but one that has a lot of things to say. I never think about the parents and the way they bring up their kid will be a determining factor in how the child behaves. Thanks for putting this review to the top of your queue.
You’re welcome, I got several requests for this review, so who am I to deny my readers this review immediately….
This subject matter is quite timely given how many school-related violence these days. It’ll be a tough watch I reckon, but I’m sure Tilda pulls this off believably. Interesting pairing w/ John C. Reilly. Looks like he took a break from the dark comedies.
Tilda really is amazing in this, she really makes the movie. Yeah, John C. Reilly really isn’t on screen enough to be able to be a convincing character that you will care about, although I thought he was good for the time he’s in it.
I really want to catch this one, it’s not showing in the mainstream cinema where I live so I’m hoping an independent one will pick it up. I’m reading the book at the moment and I didn’t really like the format at first (it’s letters from Eva to her husband), I’m really enjoying it now. The trailers look amazing so I’m looking forward to it. Swinton is brilliant, interesting what you said about John C Reilly – I noticed from the publicity he doesn’t appear on it too much.
Great review, can’t wait for it now!
I saw this during a preview screening, so have no idea when it will be out officially over here either. Didn’t know this was based on a book, which seems really interesting. Will keep my eye out for your review once you have seen it Amy!
You should check out the book as it seems to have a bit of a different take on things, judging from your review. The author’s also said that the film is a really good adaptation, which doesn’t happen very often. Thanks, fingers crossed I get to see it soon! 🙂
Definitely looking forward to this. I’ve seen a lot of films about school shootings (the best one was ELEPHANT, which I highly, highly recommend), but I haven’t seen this and really want to. Great review.
Funny you mention Elephant, someone on Twitter suggested that movie to me as well yesterday! Will put it a bit higher on my to watch list 🙂
I’m not sure but I think I had the book, but never got around to reading it. Don’t really know why. Anyhow, although it is a very strong subject, I have always been attracted to movies that are psychological in nature, so someday I hope to watch it. Great review.
Then you really should give it a chance as it really explores the experiences of Tilda Swinton’s character and how she dealt/deals with them.
Sounds to me that this is a very, VERY similar storyline to ‘Beautiful Boy’, with Michael Sheen and Maria Bello.
I never saw that, is it worth watching?
Just about, I’d say, but nothing to warrant cancelling anything in your diary for. I suspect ‘Kevin’ will be the better movie.
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