Review of We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) by Lee H — 15 Jul 2012

A stunning film about a relationship between a mother and a sociopath son that will never end happily. A non linear narrative and some stunning cinematography gives the film an art house feel that occasionally lightens an ultimately dark and depressing movie. Swinton is one of the best female actresses around today, that much is established. Here she excels her own skill with a performance that is both breathtaking and heartbreaking to watch. Is she guilty of the way this boy has turned out and are her attempts at healing it really sincere enough? Thats open to interpretation, but everybody will agree this lady has reached rock bottom and nobody around her will ever let her get out. No actress could portray this better than Swinton. It's one of the best performances I've ever seen! Reilly is great as the husband who never sees the evil in Kevin and the naivety of him is frustrating. He is more of a mate to Kevin than a Father figure and because of this is easily manipulated. The 3 actors who play the different stages of Kevin are excellent and they really make you believe this kid will never be normal and the hatred and disinterest he has for everyone around him, but especially his Mum, will never be fixed. We are never really told any answers and by the end, the nature/nurture argument will rage on. By the time we reach the devastating conclusion we will all have our own theories, but none of them will be the law. Opinions are like arseholes, everyone has got one.

Cinema at it's best!