Movie Review-----WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

While I was reading the novel WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, I remember thinking that there was no way that a movie could ever be made of it because it is so relentless in its misery. Literally nothing happy happens in the entire story. The novel was a page turner that I finished in two sittings. When it ended, I was haunted by the story for a few days. So when I heard that they indeed were making a film of it, I knew I would not be able to see it in the cinema. Something this intense and upsetting had to be seen in the privacy of my own home so I could pause it and walk around if I needed to. Tonight we watched WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN and it is even more a disturbing experience than I imagined it would be. The story is about a boy named Kevin. At the age of 15, just a few days before his next milestone birthday, Kevin commits an act of unspeakable horror that leaves his mother wondering if there was anything she could have done to prevent this immense tragedy. It is best if you see the film without knowing a lot about it, so I will not say anything else. Tilda Swinton plays Eva, Kevin's mother. Ms Swinton has the sort of face that needs no dialogue. She is extraordinary in this role. Heartbreaking performance. John C. Reilly plays Kevin's father and is very effective. Ezra Miller plays the teenage Kevin and it's one of those performances that will haunt him. No matter what sort of role I see him play in the future, I will only ever see him as this dark terrifying role. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN is absolutely not a feel good film. It is depressing and disquieting to watch. My stomach churned through most of it. Yet in the end, it is what a film should be....it is an experience. Whether it's a worthwhile experience for you will depend on your taste and your limits as an audience member. Love it or hate it, you won't forget it.