You Were Never Really Here Review - One Of The Best Films Of 2018

Certificate – 15

Director – Lynne Ramsey

Starring – Joaquin Phoenix; Judith Roberts; Ekaterina Samsonov

Running Time – 89 Minutes (1 Hour 29 Minutes)

★★★★★

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After originally missing out to see this film at last year’s London Film Festival, it’s taken me nine months to finally watch You Were Never Really Here and I’m glad to have waited as this is the best film I’ve seen in 2018, so far.

Joe (Phoenix), a tormented but ruthlessly brutal hired gun sets out to rescue a young girl from a sex ring, only to find himself weathering a storm of gruesome conspiracy and violent retribution when matters go awry. As violence swirls both around him and though him, Joe’s deeply damaged psyche is revealed, but will this maelstrom lead to his awakening?

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I have nothing but utter love for this film. It’s the first time a thriller has ever made me feel relaxed.

The film is slow, especially at the beginning as you’re getting to know this character, but once you do you see it takes its own pace and won’t be rushed and for a film that’s only an hour and a half that is some fantastic storytelling and filmmaking skills.

Ramsey gave the film an ore and while feeling relaxed, agreeing with Joe’s actions and have a massive sympathy during the flashbacks, the atmosphere had me gripped.

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This includes never really seeing major blood and violence, apart from a handful of scenes, but when you see Joe killing people it’s only briefly and hinted at and some of the shots were clever with the CCTV recordings a highlight, making both refreshing and gripping.

If Warner Bros and DC Films are serious about making these lower budgeted, darker DC Elseworlds stories then give Batman to this incredible British filmmaker.

Furthermore, Phoenix does give his best performance as Joe. You see him serve with PTSD from both family and army life and his performance is so downplayed and subtle it could’ve been a silent movie and still be great.

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Finally, while having some positives in helping build the atmosphere, the music at times was annoying and reminded me too much of the Taxi Driver score, which is got on my nerves.

Verdict

OWN THIS FILM! Ramsey and Phoenix are stellar in a film that’ll have you gripped and chilled at the same time.