The Overlook: We Need to Talk About Kevin

(imdb.com)

Sometimes, the scariest movies are the ones that feel all too real. Films that seem pulled from the headlines can make for the darkest, most unsettling times. From Jaws to The Strangers, these kinds of films make anything seem plausible. They scare generations out of the water, inspire people to lock their doors and ultimately, live their life more cautiously. That's why We Need to Talk about Kevin, while grounded in reality, is most definitely a worthwhile horror film.


We Need to Talk about Kevin intersects and winds around the eventual imprisonment of Kevin, a high school student with a disturbing personality. From childhood, his mother is troubled by his existence and his actions, and her role as a mother is disjointed and questionable. As the film progresses, Kevin's acts get increasingly intensive, ending horribly for those around him. We Need to Talk About Kevin stars Ezra Miller (Perks of Being a Wallflower) in the title role as Kevin, Tilda Swinton (Doctor Strange) as his mother, Eva, John C. Reilly (Kong: Skull Island) as the somewhat oblivious father, Franklin, and Ashley Gerasimovich as the innocent daughter Celia.


One of the best parts of this movie is, without a doubt, its amazing actors. Each command so much attention to their roles- even the young Gerasimovich conveys so much emotion that it’s hard to find weaknesses. Swinton and Miller play off of each other perfectly. Their ability to capture such intrinsic features like Eva's internal battle between motherhood and hatred for her son and Kevin's disturbing slow boil, make for some great moments. Even the typically comical Reilly gives a truly ignorant, but level-headed portrayal as a father who just wants the best for his family.


From the get-go, viewers may not fully realize the extent of Kevin's quirks. But, by the end, they'll be looking for psychopathic signs in others. One particularly unsettling moment involving Celia will be engrained into the brains of audiences. It’s such an effectively amoral and stark attack that heartstrings will definitely be tugged, and viewers will definitely be upset. We Need to Talk about Kevin gives plenty of these scenes. Ones where viewers will want to stop, but will be unable to. They'll be simultaneously turned off by the atmosphere, but continuously compelled to delve further until the film finally ends and the credits roll.


Through and through, no one will turn away from this movie. It is dark and incredibly passionate. From opening to close, We Need to Talk about Kevin is something incredibly special. Its acting, pacing and climactic moment all culminate in something that must be seen. Whether you're a horror fan or a fan of family-centered dramas, this movie's prowess is undeniable. It’s now streaming on Netflix.