We Need to Talk About Kevin

I still cannot believe that Tilda Swinton was not nominated for an Academy Award. How in the world did Rooney Mara get nominated over her? It makes zero sense. Tilda is a force of nature and carries tons of dread on her shoulders. Mara’s character is a carbon copy of a wonderful creation. I know Swinton is basing her character on a literary character but she is wonderful as a self-possessed woman dealing with a psychotic/manipulative/destructive child.

I do not want to give too much away about this film. I will say that it is about a woman who used to travel, live and love. Then she got married, settled down and had a devil spawn. Her dislike of the child is evident and this flips around as he begins to torture on all mental fronts. There are never scare tactics or jumps. The horror comes from deteriorating mental states.

She lives in a house that after years never feels lived in. It is like she always wanted something else and now she is stuck with a clueless husband, a sadist child and a miraculously sweet girl. She is not an innocent woman. There is a scene early in the film where she tells the child “she would rather be in Paris.” He clearly doesn’t understand but I’d wager he understood her dislike. What follows is her punishment for the dislike.

The movie is filled with dread, loaded with quiet moments and will not leave you happy. However, you will appreciate the intensity and performances from Swinton and Ezra Miller. The non linear editing and lack of horror gimmicks make this a unique and powerful film that sticks in your memory like the paint splashed on Swinton’s wall.

I really like this movie. However, I find it hard to recommend because of the source material loaded with dread. So, be warned. You will appreciate the filmmaking but it won’t make you happy.