Eileen 2023 - A Film Review

William Oldroyd's film, "Eileen," is a captivating and unpredictable thriller, fueled by exceptional performances and a well-crafted script. Based on the novel of the same name by renowned author Ottessa Moshfegh, "Eileen" is set in 1960s Massachusetts and follows the story of its titular character, Eileen (Thomas McKenzie).

Eileen is a reserved 24-year-old woman who works at a prison and spends her days caring for those around her, while suppressing her yearning for adventure. All of that changes when she meets Rebecca St. John (Anne Hathaway), a new psychiatrist working at the prison, and the two women quickly form a bond.

Eileen is drawn to Rebecca's mysterious and daring lifestyle and falls in love with her. However, as she learns more about Rebecca and her questionable therapeutic practices, Eileen realizes that her intentions are not as straightforward as they initially seemed.

The film begins with an introduction to Eileen's mundane daily routine and relies on simple shots and cuts to convey the slow-burning story. As Rebecca enters the picture, the script gradually ramps up in intensity, and Eileen begins to embrace a more daring lifestyle.

However, a single line in the second half of the film completely changes everything and transforms the story into a dark exploration of secrets and consequences. Oldroyd masterfully uses the script to shock and disturb viewers without relying on flashy visuals or intense sequences.

"Eileen" is a divisive film that has garnered mixed reactions at the Sundance Film Festival. For those who are willing to be patient and let the story unfold, it is a thrilling and thought-provoking experience. For others, it may come across as a dull and failed attempt at creating tension.

William Oldroyd’s “Eileen” is a thrilling and unpredictable film that showcases excellent performances and a well-written script. Set in 1960s Massachusetts, the film revolves around Eileen, a shy and reserved 24-year-old woman who works at a prison and is haunted by her desire to experience the more taboo aspects of life. Living with her alcoholic father, an ex-cop, Eileen leads a monotonous life until she meets Rebecca St. John, a new psychiatrist working at the prison.

Eileen and Rebecca form an instant connection, and Eileen finds herself drawn to Rebecca’s mysterious and daring lifestyle. As she begins to learn more about her, including her unusual therapeutic practices, Eileen falls in love with Rebecca. However, her intentions are more complicated than they initially appeared, and Eileen is soon drawn into a dangerous and unpredictable world.

The film starts slowly, introducing audiences to Eileen’s daily routine and her monotonous life at the prison. The cinematography echoes this sense of mundanity, relying on simple shots and cuts to depict the cold and snowy winter in Massachusetts. However, once Rebecca enters the story, the film gradually builds up in intensity as Eileen begins to embrace a more daring lifestyle, getting drunk at the bar, carrying her father’s gun, and standing up for herself.

Despite its slow pace, the film’s script is carefully crafted, and every moment has been calculated to the smallest detail. The slow-burning style of the film pays off when a single line delivered in the second half of the film changes everything, revealing the true nature of the characters and the direction of the story. From that point on, “Eileen” becomes a sinister exploration of secrets and the consequences of people’s decisions.

William Oldroyd masterfully uses the script to create a sense of unease and tension without relying on flashy visuals or over-the-top sequences. The film is a slow-burning thriller that takes its time to reveal its twists and turns, making it a divisive film that has garnered mixed reactions at the Sundance Film Festival. Some audiences have praised it for its slow and methodical pace, while others have criticized it for being too slow and dull.

“Eileen” is a film that requires patience and an appreciation for slow-burning stories. If you are willing to wait for the story to unfold, there is a lot to enjoy in the twists and turns that it takes. The film is a testament to the power of well-written scripts and excellent performances, showcasing the talent of its director, William Oldroyd, and its actors, Thomas McKenzie and Anne Hathaway.

In conclusion, “Eileen” is a thrilling and unpredictable film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you are a fan of slow-burning stories or not, this film is a must-see for its excellent performances, well-written script, and masterful direction. So, if you’re in the mood for a slow-paced but surprisingly twisty thriller, be sure to check out William Oldroyd’s “Eileen”.