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We Need to Talk About Kevin
2011 113 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★7.4
Drama, Thriller
Director: Lynne Ramsay
🎭 Based on
«We Need to Talk About Kevin»
byLionel Shriver
Trailers
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Description
After her son Kevin commits a horrific act, troubled mother Eva reflects on her complicated relationship with her disturbed son as he grew from a toddler into a teenager.
Budget:
$7M
US Gross:
$1.74M
Worldwide:
$10.8M
Starring
Tilda Swinton
Actor
John C. Reilly
Actor
Ezra Miller
Actor
Awards
European Film Awards 2011
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 2012
— Best Actress (Drama)
Cannes Film Festival 2011
— Palme d'Or
European Film Awards 2011
— Best Actress
BAFTA 2012
— Best Actress
BAFTA 2012
— Best Director
BAFTA 2012
— Best British Film
Key opinion
We Need to Talk About Kevin is a chilling and atmospheric psychological drama that centers on the harrowing, antagonistic dynamic between a mother and her sociopathic son. While critics and audiences largely praise the visceral performances and stylistic direction, opinions on the narrative's lack of definitive answers and the film's relentless, oppressive tone remain divided.
| Acting | Tilda Swinton anchors the film with a deeply compelling, transformative performance as an exasperated and isolated mother. | |
| Acting | Ezra Miller delivers a chilling and convincing portrayal of a manipulative, malevolent youth. | |
| Production | The film utilizes striking visual symbolism and an oppressive, atmospheric aesthetic to heighten the sense of dread. | |
| Pacing | The nonlinear editing and retrospective structure effectively build psychological tension, though the pacing is frequently criticized as being too slow or exhausting. | |
| Theme | The film's exploration of maternal guilt and sociopathy leaves audiences divided between those who find it a profound, haunting character study and those who find it devoid of deeper meaning or clear answers. |