We Need to Talk About Kevin

Name: We Need to Talk About Kevin
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Released: December 9, 2011
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 68

2011

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 192 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	Your Score
7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 192 Ratings

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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

Movie Details & Credits

Oscilloscope Laboratories | Release Date: December 9, 2011

Summary: We Need to Talk About Kevin explores the factious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, We Need to Talk About Kevin explores nature vs. nurture on aWe Need to Talk About Kevin explores the factious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, We Need to Talk About Kevin explores nature vs. nurture on a whole new level as Eva's own culpability is measured against Kevin's innate evilness. (Oscilloscope Laboratories)… Expand

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 110 min

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Awards & Rankings

91	#91 Most Discussed Movie of 2011
5	#5 Most Shared Movie of 2011

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Roger Ebert

Jan 25, 2012

As a portrait of a deteriorating state of mind, We Need to Talk About Kevin is a masterful film. Read full review

Mary Pols

Dec 8, 2011

Ramsey's film has its own strengths. We Need To Talk About Kevin doesn't just bring you to the outskirts of a parent's worst nightmare; this fever dream of guilt and loss takes you straight inside. Read full review

Rolling Stone Peter Travers

Jan 13, 2012

Acting doesn't get much better than the subtly brilliant display put on by Tilda Swinton in We Need to Talk About Kevin. Read full review

Chicago Reader J.R. Jones

Jan 28, 2012

Ramsay seems to be seriously intent on probing the outer limits of a mother's love and forgiveness, but the boy (played by a trio of child actors) is so unremittingly evil that the movie begins to feel like a grotesque remake of that old John Ritter comedy "Problem Child" (1990). Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Dec 7, 2011

The movie is creepy, but it has no texture or depth. It's like "The Omen" directed by Miranda July. Read full review

Slate Dana Stevens

Dec 12, 2011

Even in the film's weaker stretches, the fierce presence of Tilda Swinton made it impossible to tear my eyes away. Read full review

Observer Rex Reed

Nov 30, 2011

This is the most unwatchable horror movie masquerading as social comment I have seen this year. Read full review

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User Reviews

Mickey

Jan 21, 2012

Less a "Bad Seed" rehash than an indictment of contemporary parenting skills, "Kevin" made my skin crawl on many levels. The outer need for perfection while the interior is crumbling, the idea that because a couple CAN have a child, they should, the unwillingness to actually TALK aboutLess a "Bad Seed" rehash than an indictment of contemporary parenting skills, "Kevin" made my skin crawl on many levels. The outer need for perfection while the interior is crumbling, the idea that because a couple CAN have a child, they should, the unwillingness to actually TALK about Kevin... all of this leads to the creation of monster--but that creation is inevitable. Far smarter than most will give this film for, see it and watch it carefully. Until the final, horrific moments, is Kevin the monster, or are his parents? Who created whom? This is a chilling film guaranteed to haunt, and Swinton's performance is perfection. Understated and genuine, she is genius.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

NJWolfgang

May 15, 2012

This is one of the most disturbing films I think I've seen. Tilda Swinton tells the entire story through simple expression. There confusion, pain and loss and her face is etched with those emotions throughout the film. There isn't a performance from the four leads that isn't right onThis is one of the most disturbing films I think I've seen. Tilda Swinton tells the entire story through simple expression. There confusion, pain and loss and her face is etched with those emotions throughout the film. There isn't a performance from the four leads that isn't right on target. The cutting from Swinton's loneliness into the life that led up to the incident is a little confusing in the beginning but once your realize that something is terribly wrong here it works. The script is tight and doesn't tell all or attemtp to throw you off it just leads you throughout the story. One of the best films of 2011 and definitely the best performance by an actress. John C. Reilly once again proves he is one of the best character actors working today. Ramsay does a great job and even though it's difficult to watch this is one of those films where instead of saying "why the hell are they going in the basement" you allow Ramsay to open the door and push you through.… Expand