You Were Never Really Here is a gritty, intense thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay and starring Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. The film follows Joe, a former soldier and FBI agent who now works as a hitman, as he is tasked with rescuing a young girl from a sex trafficking ring.
From the opening scene, it's clear this is not going to be an easy watch. The film's unapologetically violent and disturbing, with Ramsay using sound and visual cues to create a visceral sense of dread and tension throughout. But it's also a remarkably well-crafted film, with Ramsay's direction and Phoenix's performance working in perfect tandem to create a haunting, unforgettable experience.
Joaquin Phoenix's Raw Unforgettable Performance in You Were Never Really Here
Phoenix's portrayal of Joe is simply terrific. He's a damaged, haunted man who's barely holding himself together, and Phoenix imbues him with a raw, primal intensity that's both terrifying and deeply empathetic. He's a man who's seen and done terrible things, and is now struggling to find a reason to keep going.
Ekaterina Samsonov Conveys Real Vulnerability In You Were Never Really Here
The supporting cast is excellent, particularly Ekaterina Samsonov as the young girl Joe is tasked with rescuing. Despite having relatively little dialogue, Samsonov manages to convey a sense of both vulnerability and resilience that makes her character feel real and fully fleshed out.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its use of sound. The score/ Soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood, is haunting and ominous, and Ramsay uses sound design to great effect, creating an almost tactile sense of unease. The film's also visually striking, with Ramsay using a mix of handheld and static shots to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
If there is one criticism of the film, it's that the plot is relatively straightforward. While Ramsay's direction and Phoenix's performance are enough to carry the film, the story itself is fairly simple and doesn't offer much in the way of surprises or twists.
A conclusion to You Were Never Really Here
You Were Never Really Here really lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled. It's a testament to the power of filmmaking and the skill of the cast and crew involved. Lynne Ramsay's masterful direction, combined with Joaquin Phoenix's raw, intense performance and the haunting score by Jonny Greenwood, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that challenges and disturbs. The supporting cast, particularly Ekaterina Samsonov's portrayal of the young girl Joe is tasked with rescuing, is also excellent and adds to the overall impact of the film. "You Were Never Really Here" is a film that demands to be seen and discussed, and one that will stay with you long after you've watched it.