Review: We Need To Talk About Kevin

Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay
Language: English
Rating: R
Running Time: 112 minutes


I forgot how I found out about this movie on the internet somewhere, but the trailer intrigued and the male lead was just as alluring as the vague storyline. If you haven't seen the trailer on YouTube or any where else, check it out and tell me if that doesn't pique your curiosity.



Former travel writer Eva Khatchadourian is a meek and scared woman who lives a solitary life after an incident that occurred with her son Kevin. She deals with the townspeople's violent treatment toward her in public and settles for working as a clerk at a travel agency. Eva's memories reveal the highs and lows of her past that lead her to this moment as well as the actions that lead her son to imprisonment. As she visits Kevin on his eighteenth birthday before he is transported to an adult facility, she recalls her memories of their relationship to present day.

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a very dark story that brings up the real life conflict of nature vs. nurture. Aside from the intriguing storyline, the way the movie is edited is unique and keeps your attention so you don't miss any piece to this complex puzzle. Of course, this is a movie that you'll have to view more than once so you can discover new details and broaden your perspective on the whole situation at hand.



The casting choices were definitely interesting and smart. My main worry lied with John C. Reilly's character as Franklin, Eva's husband. I'm used to thinking of him as a comedic actor, but honestly I don't think I've seen many of his movies anyway. He did a great job as being the complacent father. I guess the movie had to stick with that Bad Seed/The Good Son formula in some way. Tilda Swinton gave an excellent range of emotions as Eva. You can see her trying to make things perfect for Kevin, even if it was possibly a little too late. Kevin's little sister was believable as well and I sympathized with her when the time called for it. Last but not least, the casting of the three different Kevin characters were very well chosen. They had a similar look and demeanor about them and it felt very fluid as the movie progressed.

My mind hasn't been stimulated this way in quite some time and I am completely engrossed in this story. I'm looking forward to owning it, rewatching it, sharing it with friends and family, and delving more into the extras. The visuals are stunning and fit the tone of the story, the characters are believable and you can naturally attach yourself or understand them, and the story is very thought provoking. I highly recommend this movie if you're looking for something different and dramatic.


Rating: 4.5/5


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