Movie Review: We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

One of the best I've seen lately, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" is simply amazing.  It's dark for sure but just well-done all around.  The film is a book adaptation telling the story of the mother, Eva (played by Tilda Swinton) of teenaged Kevin (Ezra Miller) who goes on a killing spree at his high school.  The story is told from Eva's point of view in flashback.  The audience sees how Eva had suspicions of Kevin as he grew up from a baby who cried nonstop to a toddler who didn't bond with her to a very manipulative child.  Eva is a woman tormented by her memories of this difficult child and yet she's also tormented by Kevin's victims' families and other members of the community who project their grief onto her.  John C. Reilly plays Franklin, Eva's husband, who doesn't share Eva's suspicions of Kevin and constantly makes excuses for the boy's hurtful and increasingly violent behavior.  The film asks the question how much if any of the blame for Kevin's crime should Eva bear?  Also, was the lack of bond between Kevin and Eva to blame for any or all of Kevin's behavior?

First of all I think that Swinton did an amazing job playing Eva.  I could feel her pain especially as Eva experienced abuses at the hands of community members and victim's families.  In each case Eva took the abuses such as a slap on the face or red paint on her house like a martyr.  Although Eva clearly had no bond with Kevin she made efforts throughout to create one and later stood by him at his trial and incarceration.  The role of Kevin is played by a baby and child actor but Ezra Miller is excellent as the teen Kevin. 

The direction and cinematography are good as well but one thing that really stood out to me was the music.  The musical choices in the film really move the film and provide a little comic relief in some cases.  The film truly is dark but the music gives a little levity.   

This film isn't for everyone due to the subject matter but I think it's a must-see and give it an A-.