Eileen (2023) Movie Review

In the world of Eileen, ugliness reigns supreme. From her decrepit Massachusetts town to the dilapidated house she shares with her alcoholic father, Eileen's existence is a symphony of dinginess. Even her workplace, a youth center that feels more like a prison for troubled kids, exudes an aura of unrelenting bleakness. Yet, amidst this sea of desolation, one figure stands out like a beacon of light – Dr. Rebecca St. John.

Dr. St. John's arrival is like a breath of fresh air in Eileen's otherwise drab life. With her immaculate appearance and air of sophistication, she captivates Eileen's attention, sparking a sense of wonder and admiration in the young woman. However, as we delve deeper into the narrative of "Eileen," directed by the evocative William Oldroyd, it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving.

Adapted from Ottessa Moshfegh's compelling novel by Luke Goebel, the film paints a vivid portrait of Eileen's life, allowing us to witness the unraveling of her carefully constructed world. As Eileen grapples with her dysfunctional family dynamics and her own sense of invisibility, her encounter with Dr. St. John sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the course of her life.

Eileen's journey is one of self-discovery and transformation, as she navigates the murky waters of her own psyche. Yet, the film wisely eschews the use of voiceover narration, allowing Eileen's enigmatic character to remain shrouded in mystery. As she confronts the demons of her past and embarks on a quest for liberation, Eileen's evolution is both abrupt and messy, a testament to the complexities of the human experience.

While "Eileen" may share thematic elements with tales of female empowerment or psychological thrillers like "Carrie," its true lineage lies in the moody, introspective cinema of the 1970s. Films like "Three Women" and "Two-Lane Blacktop" serve as spiritual predecessors, capturing the essence of loneliness and dissociation with haunting precision.

At the heart of "Eileen" lies the eponymous character herself – a blank canvas waiting to be filled with the tumultuous emotions that lie beneath the surface. Portrayed with remarkable depth by Thomasin McKenzie, Eileen is a study in emotional dislocation, her untapped potential simmering just beneath the surface.

Opposite McKenzie's haunting portrayal, Anne Hathaway delivers a mesmerizing performance as Dr. St. John, her artificiality and elaborate gestures masking a deeper, more enigmatic persona. Their dynamic is electrifying, blurring the lines between mentorship and manipulation in a relationship fraught with tension and ambiguity.

As Eileen grapples with her own sense of identity and belonging, the film explores themes of bodily filth and existential dread with unflinching honesty. While the adaptation may shy away from the more visceral aspects of Moshfegh's novel, it retains the essence of Eileen's internal struggle, capturing the raw intensity of her experience.

In conclusion, "Eileen" is a haunting exploration of loneliness, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. Directed with moody desolation by William Oldroyd and adapted from Ottessa Moshfegh's novel by Luke Goebel, the film offers a captivating glimpse into the life of its titular character.

Thomasin McKenzie delivers a standout performance as Eileen, capturing the character's emotional dislocation and untapped potential with remarkable depth. Opposite her, Anne Hathaway mesmerizes as Dr. Rebecca St. John, whose enigmatic presence adds layers of tension and ambiguity to the narrative.

As Eileen navigates the bleak landscape of her existence, the film delves into themes of bodily filth and existential dread with unflinching honesty. While it may shy away from the more visceral aspects of the novel, "Eileen" retains the essence of its source material, offering a compelling portrayal of one woman's journey towards self-discovery.

Ultimately, "Eileen" is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. As Eileen confronts her inner demons and grapples with her own sense of identity, she emerges as a fully realized protagonist in a story that is as haunting as it is unforgettable.