Review of We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) by Dawdlingpoet — 21 Nov 2021

This is quite a sinister and mysterious movie, one in which the viewer is left in the dark for the majority of the film about what precisely is behind all the clearly strange circumstances.

It has quite an eery feel to it because its set in what they call suburbia, where there's presumably a fairly closed knit community, yet its clear that Eva lives a very anxious life, being quite panicky and defensive, yet at the same time seemingly shrugging off very peculiar things that happen, such as red paint appearing all over the outside of her house. The whole time, your left trying to piece the pieces together to figure out what leads to a seemingly very dark outcome and often music is played to enhance the atmosphere and further hint at what lies beneath the perhaps more humdrum scenes that are shown towards the start. There are scenes played in slow motion with loud stringed instruments audible that heighten the sense of franticness.

I found it intriguing to see how the relationship between mother and son seemed to unravel from earlier years onwards. I'd say its one of those movies where there's actually fairly little in the way of dialogue but its the lack of speech thats most telling, if that makes any sense?.

I couldn't help but wonder what the agenda was with Kevin - you can see how vindictive and menacing he is, with the child actor making very strong eye contact with Eva, as if to say he's the one in control. Both the child actors (there are various, representing Kevin at different ages) and Tilda Swinton give very good performances. I found this to be a really engrossing movie - first (as a viewer) your left feeling confused and later on, mid way through, you feel concerned that you know what's going to happen but want to see how it pans out so you can perhaps figure out what may have been a trigger or turning point. It seems quite an isolating experience for poor Eva, as the way its shown it appears almost as if she's the only target of his anger.

As far as the theme is concerned, this covers a sensitive area for most parents I'd imagine, the fear of your own child and worry of what they may ultimately be capable of. Although this has been covered in other more horror based movies, this, to me, seems more of a drama/psychological thriller thats less horror based, in a way its more sinister because there's none of the thunder and lightning type theatrics, its all rather more matter of fact and modern than some of the other movies with similar plots I suppose.

This film actually made me think about the way I interact with my parents and how that maybe comes across at times. I'm certainly nothing like Kevin but it does make you realise how challenging such confrontational people or kids can be, when you have those sort of stand offs where anything thats said or suggested is automatically shot down, almost as a matter of principle - it must be very frustrating. I have some experience in my job where I witness badly behaved teenagers fairly regularly, unfortunately but at least their not my own(!). I could certainly understand Eva's struggles to deal with him, all things considered its very hard not to feel sorry for her, while other people on the street judge her harshly. The story is played out primarily though Eva's eyes, with flashbacks before and after the final event depicted near the end. I found myself feeling really quite tense, its quite a hard watch even as a non-parent (if such a term exists?). Its very engrossing and compelling though. One potential downside, however, is the use of shaky camerawork, which may be a put off to people who tend to feel a bit dizzy or nauseous by suck jerky sways.

Content wise, there's very strong language and bloody violence hinted at or otherwise. As I say, its quite haunting and the theme is one that would make me say its not suitable for anyone with perhaps a tendency to paranoia perhaps?. Otherwise, there are a couple of brief sex scenes although their not overly graphic but I don't think there's anything else particularly worth mentioning otherwise - mainly its the themes present thats likely to cause issue as well as debate, I'd imagine.

Pace wise its a bit slow at first and of course confusing but the pace certainly builds up after a while. The ending leaves the viewer with questions, much as Eva is left - some things are answered but the ultimate question it seems isn't, which could frustrate some people but its that which the movie is all about really, questioning Kevin, trying to get inside his mind. If you like your movies to come to precise starts, middles and ends, plot wise (if you follow) then this may not be entirely to your liking.

Yes I'd recommend this movie, as I found it very engrossing and thought provoking.