Review of You Were Never Really Here (2017) by Flipje — 26 May 2021

This is good example of a movie you will sit through, 'enjoy' to the best of your ability, admire its qualities, remark on its brilliance and subtlety, gush about its merits while... while... perhaps avoiding a second viewing.

It is visceral and respects its audience in the right moments. The violence is never glorified. In fact, the viewer's imagination does a fair bit here which is fantastic. As an audience member, you participate in the film by filling in the blanks.

For instance, you will see a body lying crumpled on the floor following the protagonist's vengeful progression through a certain location. It is up to the viewer to determine how said body was 'taken out'.

As for the protagonist, Joe, a hired thug who specializes in freeing victims of child trafficking, you get initial glimpses of his past and slowly, you piece together why he fantasizes of suicide. Again subtle, well-made movie but with so much agony here, you appreciate his character, his journey, his efforts to liberate victims of sex crimes while again, thinking, once on this trip is enough.

I got the point. Brilliant but I can check this box and move on.