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A traumatized veteran, unafraid of violence, tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe's nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what may be his death trip or his awakening.
Rating
R (for strong violence, disturbing and grisly images, language, and brief nudity)
Director
Lynne Ramsay
Studio
Amazon Studios
Writer
Lynne Ramsay
  • Normally when I feel like recommending a movie to someone, it's due to the fact that I feel it will either appeal to a specific audience or just please everyone on a board scale. Quite honestly, although I'll be praising this film as I go along, I'm not quite sure who the audience will be for this movie. You Were Never Really Here is based on the novel of the same name and while I haven't read it, I believe this film is a nice representation of it, as it's simply a great film overall. Yes, the imagery is bizarre and the performances throughout the film may seem a little too realistic that they become off-putting, but these are all things that I found to be fascinating about it. If you're up to the task of watching a movie like this, here's why I think it's terrific.You Were Never Really Here follows a man in Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) as he is both haunted by his past and trying to straighten out his current life. Tasked with a job of looking for missing girls and taking down anyone in his path, this brings up memories that he's not too fond of. Told in a linear manner while also flashing back through weird visuals or direct scenes, this is a film that asks you to be entranced by it from start to finish. If you think imagery is just imagery when it comes to a director trying to express certain emotions through the camera, rather than dialogue, then this movie definitely isn't for you.Joaquin Phoenix is magnificent as Joe and quite frankly probably the best I've seen from him in years. From his subtle facial expression when a scene with his mother is taking place, to the very notion that he truly cares about everyone in his life, no matter how evil he may seem at times, Phoenix was able to present many emotions throughout the course of this movie. Not that I related to this character, but his thoughts on just wanting to do the right thing felt very relatable for many viewers to attach themselves to.From its visuals to its performances, I was blown away by this film, but this is where I draw the line of possible issues. You Were Never Really Here is the sort of film that gives you many amazing things, but also showcases a few too many depressing sequences and the visual storytelling gives you everything you need upon first viewing, at least in my opinion. This is a must watch movie in my eyes, but I can't see myself ever needing to revisit it. I also appreciate a film that's well-shot and well-edited, which is exactly what is provided throughout this movie, so that was an added bonus that had me applauding every few minutes.In the end, You Were Never Really Here is a fantastic piece of independent cinema and the perfect example of a movie that not enough people can get into or even come across, due to the overabundance of blockbusters in theatres these days. Whether or not you have read the source material that this film is based on, I highly recommend checking out this film if you can stomach a few brutal images, some very sad representations of the real world, and a huge wake up call throughout the final act that brought me to tears. You Were Never Really Here isn't for you unless you're into auteurist filmmaking like I am at times, but it's a great story to invest yourself in regardless, which is why when considering everyone,I think I nearly loved this movie.
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  • Joaquin Phoenix is great in the role, in excellent direction. A simple but very interesting film.
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  • Don't expect a lot of action, dialogue or plot. Do expect a lot of striking visuals, a commanding performance by Joaquin and some head scratching scenes. I want to see more of this director; she needs to be more prolific.
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  • El papel de Phoenix es brutal así como el tema de la película, la historia de un chico que pasó por violencia intrafamiliar y quedo dañado al punto de convertirse en un asesino enfermo muy bien interpretado por Phoenix. La historia es fuerte y muy perversa pero, hacia el final, el mar de sangre se ve compensando con el transfondo que lleva la película.
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  • Great movie. Really hard to understand / hear some of the dialog, and I had trouble trying to follow it a bit, but all in all, well worth the watch.
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  • If this movie doesn't make you nervous, involved, and cringe, I don't know what to tell you. It probably takes on a little more story than it can chew in 90 minutes, but the performances, the tension, and the editing are a thrill artistically, even if the subject matter is sad and disturbing. It should be noted that this is not a movie for kids. I would even say that many adults will have a hard time watching this. It's intense.
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  • 21st century's Taxi Driver
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  • Lynne Ramsay is a treasure and one of the greatest filmmakers alive. This film is like landmine that will implant itself in your brain and haunt you days after it's seen. Joaquin Phoenix is extraordinary and I hope they combine for 10+ more projects together. The score by Jonny Greenwood further establishes him as the supreme genius within the role of film composer
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  • Amazing cinematography and acting and music. It is intense so be prepared.
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  • diawal-awal banyak bikin tanda tanya, gua demen cara aktingnya si poenix ini apalagi pas doi lagi sama emaknya yang sudah tua. ciri-ciri filem festival banget sih.. dark, ngak terlalu banyak cakap
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  • This film is phenomenal the acting was amazing the direction was great the cinematography also just an overall great film phoenix should very likely get nominated for his role
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  • "You Were Never Really Here" (2017) is a dark, gritty adventure about a PTSD veteran turned vigilante. The style and direction is great, but it's Joaquin Phoenix's naturalistic performance that really makes the film work. Hidden gem, but definitely not for the squeamish. Solid B+
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  • Another committed performance from Joaquin Phoenix in what may seem like a slasher movie but it implies the existence of much deeper issues within Joe's persona with which he has to deal with. His 'ultra violence' is a one way to cope with his uncertain, but surely troubled, past which haunts him all the time. He may have found some similarities with himself in his next 'job' Nina whom he intends to find and rescue; and hopefully this will be his last job.
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  • This is just a fantastic film; there were 1 or 2 moments that needed explaining but well done to all involved
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  • 'You Were Never Really Here' is a slow-burn psychological thriller which despite its darkness and violence, manages to keep you hooked till the end.
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