We Need To Talk About Kevin (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo) / Il faut qu'on parle de Kevin (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (Bilingual)

I haven't read the book upon which the movie is based, so I think I'm able to give a relatively unbiased opinion of the film's merits vs. deficiencies.

Tilda Swinton plays Eva, the mother of the titular character. It's apparent that she draws the suspicion, hostility, and curiosity of the people in town pretty much from the get-go. What's not immediately as clear is WHY. The focal event which has turned her neighbours against her is revealed in a series of flashbacks. The movie doesn't put all of its stock, however, into stringing us along, keeping us in suspense until lifting the curtain on what great tragedy occurred to have this woman impugned and hated. Instead, it tells the story of her relationship with her son in an attempt to shed some light on his development and how he ended up a convicted criminal. Before he is even born, she's ambivalent about having a child. He's a fussy infant whom she resents, then a headstrong toddler towards whom she behaves either passively-aggressively or simply full-on aggressively, even accidentally breaking his arm in a fit of frustration. Racked with guilt, she then becomes somewhat overly permissive with Kevin as his manipulative behaviour continues and escalates. Swinton, whom I've found to be a reliable--but not necessarily "star quality"--actress, never strays into either melodramatic nor disinterested territory, which I thought could be a risk with this character. Swinton portrays Eva's vulnerabilities and strengths in a balanced manner and manages to craft a character to whom the audience is sympathetic (without simply pitying her), despite her evident shortcomings.

John C. Reilly, a favourite of mine, plays her clueless husband. Unfortunately, he seems to have carried over the jaunty insouciance of one of his other characters (Dewey Cox comes to mind), because his complete obliviousness to his son's and wife's mental states and struggles doesn't ring true; only a self-obsessed buffoon could overlook such tension and danger in the home. Ezra Miller, who plays Kevin as an adolescent, delivers a simmering, devil-may-care performance which helps Swinton carry the film.

The film, on its own, is worthy of the praise that has been heaped upon it. One of the major drawbacks is the musical score. Jonny Greenwood's twangy, pseudo-country/folk/bluegrass compositions detract from many of the pivotal scenes, managing to completely sap the suspense out of them and making them unintentionally hilarious. With the sublimity of the film and actors overshadowed by a poor choice of music, the bathos is just too sickening to take.

Taut without ever being overly creepy, explaining while never making excuses, and causing appropriate heartache without headache, the movie's a winner in most respects thanks to great acting...and no thanks to the soundtrack, which I'm sure sounds just fine on star-lit evening at the cabin but takes away from, rather than adds to, an otherwise fine film.

Well I'm not going to tell you the full detail's of the movie because there are spoilers below that you can read but i have to say this movie left me so drained after viewing it i felt so sorry for Tilda Swinton i have never seen an actress work so hard in a movie doing house chores before. this young man [Ezra Miller]is so good in his role as the bad seed is so well played it's scarey.and then there is John C.Reily who is so stupid to fact the conflict between mother and son he dose nothing but add to it by buying him a bow & arrow.the only thing he wanted was his oral sex.i think i better stop or i will give it away.We Need to Talk About Kevin (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Eva (Tilda Swinton) is a wife and mother who has just experienced the last in a series of shattering incidents. In flashbacks, we see her happy life change forever with the birth of her unusual son. From that first day, she never feels any bond with him while he seems equally detached from and even hateful toward her.

This is an incredibly intense and heartbreaking film, dealing with the problem of alienation, the nature of familial love, and unspeakable violence. All of the actors are excellent and I'm surprised they and the movie didn't get some Oscar nominations. Swinton is utterly convincing as the emotionally-drained mother; she kept me on the edge of my seat every second. John C. Reilly is very likable as the naïve, loving husband. The three young actors who play Kevin are remarkable; their performances are so intense I could barely watch them, yet couldn't look away. The flashback format is sometimes confusing but helps to convey the chaotic, emotional, roller coaster that is Eva's life.

This chilling, excruciatingly sad story is hard to watch, but the acting, writing, and direction are just outstanding. Highly recommended (but not if you're looking for a fun movie).