Eva Khatchadourian is trying to piece together her life following the "incident". Once a successful travel writer, she is forced to take whatever job comes her way, which of late is as a clerk in a travel agency. She lives a solitary life as people who know about her situation openly shun her, even to the point of violent actions toward her. She, in turn, fosters that solitary life because of the incident, the aftermath of which has turned her into a meek and scared woman. That incident involved her son Kevin Khatchadourian, who is now approaching his eighteenth birthday. Eva and Kevin have always had a troubled relationship, even when he was an infant. Whatever troubles he saw, Franklin, Eva's complacent husband, just attributed it to Kevin being a typical boy. The incident may be seen by both Kevin and Eva as his ultimate act in defiance against his mother.
I applaud director Lynne Ramsey for keeping her artistic eye while also tackling a strangely more mainstream type of film. While it still is a bit clinical this film is bathed in more emotions then she usually has dealt with in her past films.
Each year this is a film I see that not only creeps me out, but makes me uncomfortable watching it. While also watching it in awe. The film is beautiful yet cold. Artsy and clinical yet directed with a painters eye. The film goes from emotionally disturbing to emotionally violent. You can’t take your eyes off the film. Though are also fearful because you can never tell what will happen next
One of the problems with the film and I’m sure it’s foundation. Is the fact that there is obviously something wrong with Kevin even as a child. So it shouldn’t come off as a shock what he eventually does, But without further examination I can’t truly say the way it is presented it seems that around his father he tries to be normal. Though when it comes to him and his mother they have a strange hate-love relationship, Where both are selfish and cruel. Understanding each other in a hostile way towards one another. He scares her and seems to seek reactions from her bordering on torturous. I also was left wondering if the film was trying to say that hyper intelligent children or child prodigies end up growing up troubled and disturbed. Though this isn’t the type of film to carry that deep a message or social commentary. It’s a interesting way of presenting the possibilities. I found it unfair yet somewhat understandable when she is attacked by the public afterwards.
The film feels like it’s the two main characters pitted against one another. So once he finally acts out violently. It seems like only a natural answer to the situation.
Tilda Swinton gives a brave and amazing performance as the mother. Her unique looks make her look like a woman both haunted and melting away with anguish. Her looks also make this film seem more cutting edge and avant garde. She seems to excel in movies of this type. She seems a natural fit for them.
Ezra Miller is scary and definitely an actor to watch in the future. He manages to make his character believable and haunting as a sociopath. Someone you will forever haunt your nightmares he’s that effective, His character seems to live just to personally antagonize her and when she doesn’t react the way he wants her to or not at all. He strikes out at innocents. Then he will show some kind of humanity to prove that he is human and not a total monster.
There are plenty of surprises in the film. Even when things seems to go ok. Then Heartbreak seems to be right around the corner. I wondered why she stayed around then it became obvious. The film reveals itself slowly never giving up it’s hand. --The film has a paint and color motif.
That the film sparks a strong reaction, That makes me wonder and contemplate the film. So much and so long after shows it has affected you as a viewer.
In life it seems most School killers were weirdos everyone thought were strange but harmless and never violent or they were normal leading secret lives and plans. Who seemed to enjoy life. He just comes off as mental and sociopathic and not in the teen rebellion way.
I never got John C. Reilly’s Character is he just blind or in denial. He must notice some of this behavior.
Luckily they spare us the actual massacre. Only some of the aftermath and a glimpse of his handiwork. Which of course leaves our imaginations to run wild with images that are probably worse then any visions that could have been provided.
It’s not a film from everyone and makes me wonder if some don’t like it for showcasing such a disturbing violent tale. Does it need to be seen? No. Should you see it? Yes. It’s a challenging piece of cinematic art. By the end you get a full story and intense characters.
GRADE: A
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