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We Need to Talk about Kevin
Lynne Ramsay
(2011)
107min
15 Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
Damon Wise
Lionel Shriver's 2003 novel took the form of a series of letters from the mother of a teenage boy to her husband, trying to fathom how their son became a sociopathic killer. This beautifully crafted but disturbing film takes a more traditional approach, flashing backwards and forwards through the story of Eva (Tilda Swinton), a former travel writer whose love/hate relationship with her child has made her life a living hell. Swinton is excellent as the worn-down Eva, and newcomer Ezra Miller makes an indelible impression as the loathsome, conniving Kevin. However, the director is the real star here, as Glasgow-born Lynne Ramsay, with only her third feature, has fashioned a dazzling, sensory drama with a suffocating, dream-like atmosphere. The back and forth narrative makes a few plot points hard to follow, but overall this is an artful portrayal of every mother's worst nightmare.
Summary
A mother leads an isolated life after her teenage son commits a terrible crime. Tormented with guilt and grief, she begins to pick apart the key events of his childhood, trying to work out if she ever truly loved him, and if she is responsible for turning him into a monster. Drama based on Lionel Shriver's novel, starring Tilda Swinton, John C Reilly and Ezra Miller.
Cast & Crew
Eva
Tilda Swinton
Franklin
John C Reilly
Kevin, teenager
Ezra Miller
Celia
Ashley Gerasimovich
Wanda
Siobhan Fallon
Colin
Alex Manette
Soweto
Kenneth Franklin
Smash lady
Leslie Lyles
Dr Foulkes
James Chen
Dr Goldblatt
Lauren Fox
Kevin, 6-8 years
Jasper Newell
Kevin, toddler
Rocky Duer
Director
Lynne Ramsay
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Artificial Eye
Guidance:
Contains swearing, sex scenes and nudity.
Available on:
DVD and Blu-ray
Released on:
21 Oct 2011
Drama
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