Eileen
Directed by William OldroydThe stagnant waters of Eileen's dull, stifled life as a solitary worker at a juvenile detention center in 1960s Boston, are unexpectedly disrupted when the institution brings in a new psychologist, the vibrant Rebecca. The fervent enthusiasm that blossoms between the two women almost immediately gives way to a closer relationship, until their fragile connection takes a dramatic turn.
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Eileen Ratings & Reviews
- neuroparadox2d agoI don't know if I have ever been on edge throughout an entire runtime of a movie before...but I loved every second of this either way 💖 #anxietyporn 🥹
- jackmeatJanuary 6, 2025My quick rating - 5.5/10. This is a film that promises psychological depth and thrilling suspense but doesn't quite hit the mark. Set against the bleak backdrop of a 1964 Massachusetts winter, it follows its titular character Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie), a young secretary at a prison, as she becomes infatuated with Rebecca Saint John (Anne Hathaway), the captivating new counselor. Their relationship takes a dark and twisted turn when Rebecca shares a disturbing secret, propelling Eileen into an unsettling moral quandary. The highlight of the movie lies in the performances of Hathaway and McKenzie, who bring their characters to life with nuance and intensity. Hathaway’s Rebecca exudes a magnetic charm, while McKenzie’s Eileen conveys a quiet desperation that perfectly mirrors the film’s wintry, oppressive atmosphere. The cinematography is another highlight, effectively capturing the starkness of the 1960s setting and the emotional coldness of the story. The film’s willingness to delve into disturbing themes and shocking twists may resonate with fans of the source material, though familiarity with the book is not required to grasp its themes. I unfortunately had not read it through so I cannot say that with too much confidence. As expected, these strengths are undermined by significant flaws. The pacing is slow and uneven, with long stretches where little happens to build suspense or drive the story forward. What should have been a tense and gripping psychological thriller instead feels inert, with a lack of urgency or intrigue. The climax, which should have tied the story’s threads into a meaningful resolution, instead leaves much to be desired. The ending feels implausible and unsatisfying, raising questions about the film's overall purpose. While it aims for ambiguity, it instead lands in frustration, leaving you wondering, “What exactly was the point here?” Despite stellar performances and an evocative setting, Eileen struggles to deliver on its psychological thriller premise. Its sluggish pacing, lack of tension, and unsatisfying conclusion hold it back from being a truly memorable experience. Fans of the book or those intrigued by its unsettling premise may find some value, but others may be left cold. I still was entertained enough by the positives even though I expected more from such a talented cast.
- Kevin WardJuly 2, 2025Thomasin McKenzie plays Eileen Dunlop, a repressed young prison secretary that becomes enamored by the intoxicating lure of the new prison psychologist, Rebecca Saint John, played by Anne Hathaway. Eileen often gets lost in fantasy, whether it’s touching herself, lusting after one of the prison guards at work, or blowing someone’s brains out with her alcoholic father’s old police firearm. So when Rebecca takes notice and Eileen, giving her the attention she so craves, Eileen is enticed to do anything to keep Rebecca’s affection. I’m having a hard time finding a thematic through line for the film. There is a narrative turn in the final act that is surprising, for sure, but feels thematically empty. And then…roll credits. My wife had read the book and thought the film was mostly faithful to the source material, but pretty much felt the same—that there’s not much of a point to the story. Pretty disappointing. Didn’t help that the woman next to my wife was coughing and hacking the entire movie while checking her phone constantly, and the guy next to me was literally snoring for the last 40 minutes.
- CravanThePugilistJune 29, 2025Book gets full stars. This movie had a decent enough vibe, but I feel they threw away a lot of what made the book what it was (like the framing narration from an aged Eileen), & the relatively few changes they made to the actual story /events felt wrong - every single one. Probably not the kind of book that should have been made into a movie anyhow
- RyezooFebruary 4, 2025The movie ends without finishing the story which is a let down. Really was liking everything I was seeing. Both actresses did a great job. Loved the twist, just wish the film coulda got across the finish line.
