Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) is a man you hire to track down missing persons. He is a skilled former soldier haunted by the traumas of his dark past. When working, Joe moves confidently and has no qualms about using violence to accomplish his tasks. However, after completing a job and collecting his payment, he returns home to care for his elderly mother (Judith Roberts).
After Joe completes a recent job, a senator from New York offers him a new mission: to find and rescue his 13-year-old daughter, Nina (Ekaterina Samsonov), who may have been captured. Joe accepts and begins his mission. However, this mission will be his most challenging yet, with several surprises and reveals.
“You Were Never Really Here” is primarily a crime drama featuring intense moments of emotional depth. The film was directed by Lynne Ramsay, who is also known for her work on “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (2011) and “Ratcatcher” (1999)
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I enjoyed Joe as a character. While skilled in many areas, he also has a troubled past. However, he proves to be capable of any task he undertakes. To the audience, it seems that Joe engages in various activities to keep himself distracted and occupy his thoughts, preventing him from dwelling on his inner turmoil and torment.
The film is filled with tension, but to my surprise, it is also beautifully shot. We witness the intense action when Joe is on a mission, and the director provides enough context for us to understand what Joe is doing at each step without revealing every detail. Some scenes are creatively filmed, giving us a glimpse into Joe’s mind and thoughts. These sequences can feel dreamlike, which some viewers may find slow and tedious, while others may appreciate the insight into Joe’s world and personal life. I loved the originality of this film. I better understood the situation and the characters by showcasing different camera angles and exploring Joe’s thoughts in depth. Ultimately, it is these moments that build the suspense!
Overall, I found this film to be surprisingly positive. It is dark, gritty, and tense as the story unfolds, but it also provides a deeper understanding of Joe’s thoughts and mindset. The director’s creative details contribute significantly to the film’s impact. While many viewers will likely appreciate its creativity, some may check their watches during certain moments. I loved seeing something new and refreshing, complemented by another solid performance from Joaquin Phoenix. If you’ve yet to see this film, I strongly encourage you to add it to your watchlist.
You Were Never Really Here (2017) is Available on 4K UHD from February 5th, thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 8.2/10
Published: 8th December 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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