We Need To Talk About Kevin

"We Need to Talk about Kevin" is a 2011 thriller that was adapted from the eponymous novel written by Lionel Shriver. It depicts the story of Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton), a successful travel writer who visits her son, Kevin (Ezra Miller) in jail after he committed a school massacre. The film consists mainly of flashback scenes that depict how the Khatchadourians grew as a family and the events that led young Kevin to commit this massacre.

"About Kevin" is a highly disturbing film that goes straight to the point, every single scene tells an important event in this story and is a perfect example of how to make a non-linear plot work. Several scenes are brimming with symbolism that captivates the eyes in a beautiful manner.

I have personally not read the novel this movie is based on so I can't really comment on the adaptation that this film received, I will however comment on the script which is strong and takes a few surprising twists that will make the viewer feel uneasy but satisfied. The soundtrack is simply magnificent and does what a soundtrack is supposed to do, enhance the other elements of the movie without being intrusive, some of the artists featured on this film include: Buddy Holly, The Beach Boys, wham!, Sean Hargreaves and Lonnie Donegan.

Tilda Swinton's performance in this piece is phenomenal, Swinton always delivers excellent performances, but she simply stole this film. She manages to make the viewer sympathize with her even though her character lacks the warm touch of humanity.

The main problem I had with this film was the terrible casting choice of putting John C. Reilly in this film. Do not get me wrong, John C. Reilly is an actor who has pretty much mastered the art of comedy. This film however, is the complete opposite of a comedy, it is depressing, it is haunting, and it is disturbing. Every time John C. Reilly came on the screen I could not help but keep thinking something hilarious was about to happen. Unfortunately these roles simply don't work for him.

Another minor detail that bothered me and I'm not sure if this comes from the book and thus this is how the author meant for it to be but Kevin's character feels unreal at certain times, yes of course he is a sociopath, but even the worst of sociopath have the ability to pass as normal human beings. Kevin never feels real to me. I'm not trying to say his character and his story is not an interesting one to watch, but I did feel like the character could've felt more real.

Tilda Swinton's performance in this movie earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe awards which she ended up losing against Michelle Williams for "My week with Marilyn" (Which we should have up here in a few days). However this film is worth a watch if just to get a taste of one of the best performances of last year.