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Review: You Were Never Really Here

  • Writer: darkknight98
    darkknight98
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • 3 min read

Directed by Lynne Ramsay

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix

The plot follows a traumatized veteran who tracks down missing teenage girls for a living.

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Yes, a review is finally out. So sorry first of all, for a slow week of barely any reviews/recommendations. I had a couple of mid-terms I had to study for, and honestly I am pretty lazy. As for the remaining reviews I will be doing till the end of the year. I am planning a Widows and Creed 2 review, but those will come out a bit late (unfortunately). My planned reviews involve Upgrade, Sorry to Bother you, Annihilation, BlackKKlansman, Ready Player One, The Revenant (Don't judge me please) and finally ending it off with Alfonso Cuaron's Roma as my final review of the year. This is the part where I tell you to mark your calendars:

December 20- Winner announcement with the movie you picked that will enter C.T Recommended (remember to keep voting on Instagram!)

December 21- Roma review (final review of the year)

December 26- Top 5 reviews of the year that will enter C.T Recommended (4 I have decided, 5th will be the one you have chosen.

December 31- My top 10 films of the year list (self explanatory, an ordered list with the top 10 films that released this year).

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With all that stuff out of the way, let's talk about You Were Never Really Here.

Back from my week-long break of reviews, and I have decided to watch Lynne Ramsay's You Were Never Really Here, which stars another of one of my favorite actors Joaquin Phoenix, and I thought it was pretty good.

Phoenix was brilliant in his role, as usual. He really did well displaying the character's depression and trauma, and if there is any reason to see this film, I think it's for his brilliant performance. The film was well-written and conveys powerful messages and emotions about abuse and PTSD.

While flashbacks add a layer of character to Phoenix's character, I felt the aspect of using it for jump-scares to be quite cheap and distracting.

I loved the film's presentation, especially with it's action sequences. There was an innovative scene which showcased the film's action through black and white CCTV cameras. I found this pretty interesting and impressive. The film was also framed and shot beautifully. The music fit the tone and the mood of the film, and it was quite good.

The film was presented at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, which it earned Best Screenplay for Lynne Ramsay, and Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix.

It's one of those films, where I would say "It's not for everyone". If your expecting a full out ordinary action flick, then prepare to be disappointed, this film is far from ordinary. While the film does contain action, it's a slow paced film that centers towards the life of a traumatized man, and how his experiences help him prepare for these 'missions'. It has a Taxi Driver and Drive vibe to it, and that hammer makes me feel like I'm seeing Oldboy.

In conclusion, a unique really well-made film. I do recommend it, since I found it to be quite enjoyable, but I don't know if you will find it the same. Phoenix really sells it, and if you like dark, psychological thrillers, then this film is for you.

My rating: 8.0/10

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