The question of whether evil is a product of nature or nurture is explored in the unsettling drama We Need To Talk About Kevin.
What would the baby of Rosemary’s Baby be like as a teenager? Chances are he would be just like Kevin (Ezra Miller): dark, intelligent, sociopathic, with evil in his heart and anger in his eyes.
Just to be clear We Need To Talk About Kevin is not a horror movie in the traditional sense, but it is as disturbing and horrific as the best thinking man horror movies (The Exorcist, Requiem for a Dream). Based on the book by Lionel Shriver and adapted to the screen by Lynne Ramsey (her first film in 9 years), the film chronicles the troubling relationship between Eva (Tilda Swinton) and her son Kevin. A tragic occurrence propels Eva into a state of guilt and shame, as she questions her role in Kevin’s homicidal actions.
The question hovers like a dark cloud: is Kevin a product of bad parenting or is he simply a bad seed? No definite answer is given leading to the viewer to make their own conclusions, yet for those of us who believe in evil as a force both real and active, the answer is clear.
Of course Ramsay doesn’t indulge in such assurances. Her job is to present the tragedy befallen upon this family, which she does through a scattered structure where the Eva of present – a social pariah drowning in guilt – thinks back on the events which altered her life.
Ramsay uses strong visual symbolism while doing so. Throughout the film Eva washes away red paint splattered over her house and car (courtesy of vigilante vandals) as if she is washing away blood which has permanently stained her life. Then there is one cheeky (perhaps unintentional) use of a baby pram identical in look to the one featured on the poster of Rosemary’s Baby. Spooky.
Sound also plays a huge part, with the clanging of cutlery, chewing of food and wall paper flapping in the breeze, all menacing to the ear.
Throughout Swinton mesmerizes with a fearless performance, unflinching and uncompromising in her portrayal of a mother who consumes the responsibility of her sons actions.
Then there is Ezra Miller, who inhabits Kevin with a dark, unsettling creepiness. Arch eyebrows raised and sarcastic wit in check, Miller reminds of a young Jack Nicholson. Hopefully his carer will share the same trajectory, which his talent deserves.
Speaking of such things, We Need To Talk About Kevin deserves major kudos. It is a fascinating film, both visually and philosophically, sure to prompt discussion while also haunting minds and souls of viewers days after the credits role. May Ramsay continue to make more of its kind. |