Film Review: We need to talk about Kevin

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Adapted from Lionel Shriver's novel, the film started development back in 2005 and after many difficulties was finally released in late 2011. It deals mainly with the mother of the family in the aftermath of a massacre at a school which her son caused. It is a topic that has been thrust into the limelight after the infamous Columbine shootings in 1999 and is also dealt with in the film 'Beautiful Boy' which is on my to watch list.

Tilda Swinton as Eva in a sea of Red

The film centres around Eva (Tilda Swinton) as she deals with the aftermath of a high school massacre that her son caused. Her car and house are constantly vandalized by the locals who also intimidate her and assault her because of the horrible crime her son committed. The film then begins to look back at the events from the conception of Kevin to his childhood and how even well intentioned parents aren't necessarily prepared to deal with a problem child.

The colour Red is a theme used a lot early in the film, red paint to vandalize the house and a panic attack Eva has in the supermarket is in front of a pile of tomato soup cans, it shows the blood she feels she has on her hands despite the fact it is a crime she is not directly responsible for. Although the film sometimes feels like its drowning in it's own symbolism. The big question which is asked is whether you think she is indirectly responsible for the crime having raised Kevin? Was this nature or nurture? This is certainly something to think about as she gradually loses grip with her constant struggle.

I felt John C. Reilly playing Franklin the Dad was under-used in the film and his input to what was going on was very limited. But then the movie was mostly supposed to be about Eva and her dealing with it all in the aftermath, Tilda Swinton plays the role well but I don't agree with all the praise that has been lavished upon her for this film and actually felt Ezra Miller was over-looked for his portrayal of the older Kevin who commits the massacre.

The early part of the film is very hard to follow as the plot jumps over different timelines from before and after the massacre leaving you a bit confused as to what exactly is going on, it settles down in later in the film but don't understand what was trying to be achieved by doing this. I liked the ending that I won't reveal but did feel that the film glorified the murderer at one part of the film when showing him walking out of the school.

2/4 A good thought provoking film but let down by heavy handed symbolism and unaddressed issues