Lynne Ramsay (Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar) returns with an adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s best-selling novel, which was the talk of Cannes Film Festival 2011 and her assured direction and tightly controlled pacing make for a thrilling and emotionally compelling film.
Eva Katchadourian, played by the ever-talented and magnificent Tilda Swinton, puts her ambitions and career aside to give birth to her son, Kevin. The relationship between mother and son is difficult from the very first years and when Kevin is 15, Eva is left picking up the pieces of her life after it changes beyond all recognition when her son’s teenage rebellion causes tragic consequences. Kevin’s irrationality and unforgivable actions in the eyes of the entire community, force Eva to grapple with her own feelings of grief and responsibility. Did she ever love her son? And how much of what Kevin did was her fault? Featuring an exquisite score composed by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.
Podcast Review
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Recommended for Play It Again by Rachel Hayward, Cornerhouse Film Programme Manager