LIFF31 2017 #5

"Joe, wake up. It's a beautiful day".

"You Were Never Really Here" is a cold and brutal revenge story that isn't for everybody. Wasn't a slow burn or the usual art house film you'd expect. The story is straight forward; we see a suicidal, possibly sexual abused veteran trying to rescue a missing girl from sex slavery, but it's presentation is different. After it was over, I struggle to collect my thoughts and needed to take time to suck all the details.

But the more I think about it, the more I like and appreciate it. Themes play a big part, instead of plot. Leaving you to fill in the gapes. This might be frustrating for some people.

Joaquin Phoenix was amazing, as usual. The way he portrays a soft and rough person with a long history of violence told through his eyes. Phoenix was extraordinary to watch. You can feel the sweat, blood, and tears come off the screen in a couple of scenes.

Lynne Ramsay manges to build up this atmosphere and anxiety through her excellent directing. Even the on/off-screen violence made the film's energy of brutality so uncombable. Mixed with Jonny Greenwood's vicious and tense soundtrack. Of course the trashy and beautiful cinematography, only adds to the dream-like feel of it.

Issues I had with the film (which are small) is how too simply the storyline is or the flashback scenes could have been executed a little better. That's really it, to be honest.

Overall rating: Interesting look on the new "Taxi Driver".