We Need to Talk About "We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Starring the always fantastic  (and often eerie) Tilda Swinton, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" is a phenomenal film based on an equally fantastic novel which presents the difficulty of raising an out of hand child from the perspective of the mother, who sees a terrifying darkness and lack of empathy within her own son which she fears she cannot do anything about. Ezra Miller is wonderful in his portrayal of a teenager brimming with rage and hatred toward the world around him, though one must suspend their disbelief at the notion of him being the son of Tilda Swinton and John C. Riley. Questionable genetics aside, his brooding and angsty performance is almost too good, and it's expertly paired with the sort of haughty arrogance found in most troubled teens.

Though the film is a slow burn and stumbles awkwardly through its pacing at time, the movie's narrative is greatly assisted in its frequent usage of flashbacks and flash forwards, which meld together to create a seamless and sometimes dizzying viewing experience as we watch a mother wander hopelessly through various stages of her life, each stage impacted by one particular person: Kevin.

Though the film could easily be used to make heavy handed statements in the debate of nature versus nurture, no attempts at preaching are made, and instead the film humbly offers a simple and tragic story of a woman struggling to raise the sort of son all new parents fear finding themselves caring for. The film's brilliant visual style, wonderful usage of colors, and phenomenal performances from all of its actors would make for a tremendous and memorable viewing experience even if the subject matter were brighter, and the dark and fascinating nature of the film's plot only serves to make it all the more interesting from start to finish.

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a fantastic viewing experience which will linger with you for days, looming uncomfortably over your shoulder as you wonder just what some people are capable of, regardless of the love their own families tried so hard to provide. It is not always an easy film to watch, but it's certainly an important one, and I cannot recommend it enough.