Synopsis: A contract killer uncovers a conspiracy while trying to save a kidnapped teen from a life of prostitution. (Google)
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov, Alex Manette, John Doman, Judith Roberts
Screenplay: Lynne Ramsay (based on ‘You Were Never Really Here’ by Jonathan Ames)
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay

Clocking just around 90 minutes, Lynne Ramsay’s brutal revenge tale YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE works more as a grim character study of a vigilante drowning on his own nightmares. Even with little to no dialogue, Joaquin Phoenix sinks deep into his role as a flawed anti-hero; wading through his traumatic past and into his disturbing imaginations.

The violence scenes in this film were shown off-screen or happened abruptly, yet the tension was clearly palpable. But even though Ramsay had the tension maintained, there’s just something that made this film left a hollow impression on me. It’s just pretty too straightforward and ‘artificial’ in its surface, but somehow a little messy at times. I believe that Ramsay probably put in some ambiguous metaphors here and there, but maybe it requires multiple viewings for me to fully understand them.

There were some really gorgeous shots here, and although at times can be jarring, the editing actually worked for the film. But its thin plot, unbalanced pacing, scattered narratives and rushed conclusion kinda kept me from really connecting with it. Although I do appreciate Ramsay’s direction style, and a phenomenal performance by Phoenix, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE unfortunately just never completely clicks.