We Need to Talk About Kevin Review - 3.5 Stars

Tilda Swinton never quite bonds with her difficult son in this powerful and frightening parental nightmare.  Ezra Miller plays an unusual young boy just enough beyond the ordinary to seem threatening.  He manipulates his mother like a master.   With John C. Reilly as his “aw shucks” clueless father.  “We need to Talk About Kevin” slowly increases the pressure as it marches steadily toward a horrific ending.  It belongs in the same league as “Martha Marcy May Marlene” another recent fright fest that feels real enough to disturb your sleep.  You don’t sleep well after this one.  Tilda Swinton received Oscar buzz for this role.  It didn’t happen but the movie’s power remains.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Parental nightmare.  Is it entertaining?  Compelling. Is it worth the price of admission?  Good for a scare.  Warning:  Recent news stories may make this even more disturbing.