We Need to Talk About Kevin

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a 2011 psychological-thriller based on the Lionel Shriver novel of the same name.

Summary
Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton) has to put her life on hold once she gives birth to a son whom her and her husband name Kevin (Ezra Miller). When she tries to connect with him, he keeps pushing her aside and eventually starts to grow sociopathic and sadistic tendencies that Eva starts to become aware of.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) It captures the drama and suspense that the original Lionel Shriver novel had.
 * 2) Outstanding acting, especially from Tilda Swinton as the main character, Eva, and Ezra Miller as her antagonistic son, Kevin. Along with John C. Reilly and Ashley Gerasimovich.
 * 3) The idea of a child slowly growing more sadistic through the years and psychologically abusing his mother before eventually causing a school shooting is very original.
 * 4) A very great soundtrack that uses songs like “Everyday” by Buddy Holly, “Ham n’ Eggs” by Lonnie Donegan and “Mother’s Last Words to Her Son”.
 * 5) Memorable and well-executed scenes, like the scene where Kevin takes up archery for the first time, the scenes where Eva visits Kevin in juvenile detention and the infamous school shooting moment with a bow-and-arrow.
 * 6) A good use of ambiguity, especially with the unpredictable, manipulative antagonist, Kevin, or his motivations for almost everything he’s done.
 * 7) An amazing tactic of cutting to flashbacks and cutting back to the present.
 * 8) Well-done writing and story development.
 * 9) The settings for the film are very nice.

Reception
We Need to Talk About Kevin received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 75% based on reviews from 207 critics. The site's consensus reads, "We Need to Talk About Kevin is a masterful blend of drama and horror, with fantastic performances across the board (Tilda Swinton especially, delivering one of her very best)." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 68 out of 100 based on reviews from 37 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."