“Eileen” presents Anne Hathaway in a captivating performance reminiscent of the mysterious blondes often seen in Hitchcockian thrillers of the 1960s. Despite falling short of achieving its lofty ambitions, the film possesses the essential elements to transcend the typical crime thriller genre and offer a more profound cinematic experience.
The narrative centers on a young woman named Eileen, portrayed convincingly by Thomasin McKenzie, who finds herself trapped in a world of emotional and sexual turmoil. Working as a secretary in a prison, her job serves as a metaphor for her own imprisoned state of mind. Amidst the bleakness of her existence, she harbors fantasies of intimacy with a prison guard while enduring the torment of living with her abusive alcoholic father, portrayed by Shea Whigham.
Anne Hathaway, known for her ability to deliver compelling performances, doesn’t take on the titular role in “Eileen.” Instead, it is Thomasin McKenzie who effortlessly embodies the complexities of the character, drawing from her notable roles in films like “The Justice Of Bunny King” and “The Power Of The Dog.”
The film is elevated by the exceptional performances of Hathaway and McKenzie, weaving a narrative that delves into the darkest corners of human existence. Despite its flaws, “Eileen” remains a hidden gem for its captivating portrayal of psychological turmoil and the resilience of the human spirit.
The film adeptly captures the dreary monotony of Rebecca’s existence, immersing viewers in scenes steeped in a palpable sense of decay. When Eileen encounters her new superior at the prison, an immediate chemistry tinged with mystery unfolds. Rebecca’s striking beauty and confidence inject a ray of light into Eileen’s otherwise dull life.
As Eileen begins to take more care of herself, director William Oldroyd demonstrates a keen eye for physical nuances, such as adding a touch more lipstick and stealing hurried glances at the mirror. The casting of two exceptional actresses perfectly complements each other, creating a dynamic that escalates quickly, as intended by the narrative.
While the crime aspect of the story may not resonate with all viewers, the portrayal of Rebecca’s malleability and vulnerability is undeniably compelling. It’s fascinating to witness how effortlessly a worldly and magnetic woman can insinuate herself into the trust of a small-town girl like Eileen. Notably, the cryptic nature of the script refrains from passing judgment on either the heroine or her admirer.
One of the most riveting aspects of the film is the unlikely alliance between two vastly different women, united by a quest for revenge that appears spontaneous yet brimming with self-awareness. Admittedly, the latter part of the film may falter, but Anne Hathaway’s performance remains a standout. Her portrayal is reason enough to delve into this intriguing yet somewhat diluted blend of eroticism and crime drama.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Genre | Psychological thriller/crime drama |
| Main Characters | Eileen (portrayed by Thomasin McKenzie), Rebecca (portrayed by Anne Hathaway), Abusive Father (portrayed by Shea Whigham) |
| Plot Overview | Follows the story of Eileen, a troubled young woman working as a secretary in a prison, whose life becomes intertwined with the enigmatic Rebecca, leading to unexpected consequences. |
| Performances | Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway deliver exceptional performances, with McKenzie particularly standing out in the titular role. Shea Whigham also delivers a convincing portrayal of Eileen’s abusive father. |
| Themes | Psychological turmoil, resilience, malleability, vulnerability, quest for revenge, unlikely alliances |
| Direction | William Oldroyd demonstrates a keen eye for capturing physical nuances and crafting scenes that immerse viewers in the dreary monotony of the characters’ lives. |
| Critique | While the film falls short of achieving greatness, it possesses elements that transcend typical crime thriller genre, offering a captivating portrayal of psychological turmoil and human resilience. |
| Strengths | Exceptional performances by Hathaway and McKenzie, captivating portrayal of psychological themes, dynamic between the main characters, immersive direction. |
| Weaknesses | Some viewers may not resonate with the crime aspect of the story, latter part of the film may falter in execution. |
| Overall Recommendation | Eileen remains a hidden gem worth exploring for its compelling performances and portrayal of psychological themes, despite its flaws. Anne Hathaway’s performance stands out as a highlight. |
