Review of You Were Never Really Here (2017) by Gigi H — 08 Apr 2018

While I appreciate the directors vision and hard work creating this film, I thought it was weak storytelling. The beautiful artsy cinematography combined with the actual dark theme of the story made it less believable.

It was just too much visually without giving me a reason to connect to it. It felt forced instead of natural and raw. From the start you are bombarded with provocative and violent imagery, quick cuts and flashbacks, heavy music, while you are trying to figure out what it's all about.

Many moments just dragged on, there is very little dialogue which would be fine if again you give me something to connect with, not just try to impress me with shots. The plot was secondary to their attempt to wow you with artsy imagery and music.

They even did that David Lynch thing were you hear old-timey music playing while something bad or eerie is happening, just to make a contrast. I never felt there was a true purpose to all of this. Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor and definitely looks the part, but his character never felt fully developed because of the editing.

So many quick cuts, didn't give me time to digest him and understand what he wants. The only interesting aspect I got to see from him was his relationship with his mother, but then the movie wasn't entirely about that.

I think they were trying to convey too much at once. He is haunted by his abusive childhood, he is haunted by his time in combat, he is caring for his mom, he is trying to save children from bad guys, there is a government conspiracy with a Senator and Governor and the police, he wants to shoot himself, he doesn't, and then the girls character is another story, not very well developed either.

If they just wanted you to feel his trauma and him losing his mind then stick to that. My opinion, less is more. If they would have done less tricks and more depth then I would have been able to delve into his mind and trauma and understand his point of view.