Eileen, a 2023 psychological thriller, has already made waves in the movie industry. Starring Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway and rising star Thomasin McKenzie, this film is based on the best-selling novel by Ottessa Moshfegh. Set in Massachusetts during the 1960s, it follows the life of Eileen Dunlop, a young woman working in a corrections facility for teenage boys. With its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Eileen has garnered strong reviews and piqued the interest of moviegoers and thrill-seekers.
Plot Overview
Ottessa Moshfegh adapted his novel for the big screen with the aid of Luke Goebel. Eileen is set during a harsh 1964 Massachusetts winter. The story revolves around a young secretary Eileen leading a life full of hardship and loneliness, much like the bitter winter which is the backdrop for the movie. Her life takes a turn when she befriends a new co-worker, who is quite literally a breath of fresh air at the otherwise gloomy setting of the prison.
Eileen is immediately drawn to Rebecca’s intellectual conversation and glamorous appearance. Their budding friendship, possible romance and growing obsession takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret, leading Eileen down a sinister path and the pair become co-conspirators in a shocking crime.
Themes and Symbolism
The film does an excellent job of exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the quest for freedom. The symbolic use of the prison setting to represent societal constraints is a particularly clever motif.
Director
Eileen is a captivating, thought-provoking thriller that offers a deep dive into the human psyche and a fresh perspective on obsession, identity, and freedom. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, Eileen is a must-watch.
Director William Oldroyd, who is known for his BAFTA-nominated film Lady Macbeth, masterfully handles the heavy themes of the film. The cinematography is intimate without being invasive, capturing the essence of the 1960s and the tension within the prison facility. Many movie fans have been eagerly awaiting Oldroyd’s follow-up, which now comes in the form of Eileen, and fans have not been disappointed.
If you like this article have a read of our other article, ‘28 of the Best Lesbian Films Of All Time.’ We think you will like it.
Cast
Thomasin McKenzie, known for her performances in movies like Jojo Rabbit, Old, The Power of the Dog, and Last Night in Soho, plays the titular character, Eileen. Mckenzie’s portrayal of Eileen is a perfect blend of vulnerability, resilience, and complexity. Oscar-winner for Best Supporting Actress in Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway stars as Rebecca.
The chemistry between Eileen and Rebecca adds a layer of intensity to the film. The cast also includes Shea Whigham, known for his roles in Boardwalk Empire, Silver Linings Playbook, and Perry Mason, who stars as Eileen’s father Jim. Other recognizable actors in Eileen include Jefferson White (Yellowstone), Owen Teague (You Hurt My Feelings), and Sam Nivola (White Noise).
Reviews
Eileen premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, following which, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called the film “both malevolent and playful, morbidly funny and disturbing” . Eileen has since been “Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 89%. Reviews have praised the performances of Hathaway and McKenzie and lauded the movie as a “twisty tale of obsession”.
Awards
Eileen has already been nominated for several awards, including Best Director for William Oldroyd and Best Supporting Performance for Anne Hathaway and Marin Ireland at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Music and Sound Design
The soundtrack, composed by Richard Reed Parry, complements the film’s tone, often adding a haunting note to the more intense scenes.
Cultural and Social Impact
The film’s portrayal of the protagonist’s journey towards freedom, justice, and happiness resonates with many viewers, particularly those who identify as queer.
The film’s lead actors, Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway, have been praised for their electrifying performances, bringing to life the intricate dynamics of their characters’ relationship. The exploration of the societal pressures faced by its characters, and their subsequent actions, provides a platform for discussions around the challenges faced by the queer community. Eileen’s impact is significant, offering representation, sparking important conversations, and contributing to the broader cultural understanding of queer identities and experiences.
Eileen is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube for just £4.99.
Let us know what you think of the movie in your comments!
Happy watching,
Team Nonchalant x
Last Updated on 16th April 2024 by Nonchalant Magazine
