With “You Were Never Really Here” writer-director Lynne Ramsay (“We Need to Talk About Kevin”) makes a forceful statement. Not just to her own individual talents as a filmmaker, but to the female perspective and the powerful jolt it can give a genre. By genre, I would call her latest film an action/revenge thriller although even giving it a label feels like a disservice to Ramsay and the plethora of cool ideas she is working with.
Ramsay adapts “You Were Never Really Here” from Jonathan Ames’ 2013 noir novella. At only 95 pages, the novella is both brisk and brutal, an equally fitting description of Ramsay’s movie. Not a second of the taut, economical 90 minutes is wasted and within its framework is a level of craftsmanship and unique storytelling prowess that leans heavily on mood and immersing us through our senses.
Look no further than the opening scene, a tightly edited collage of sound and images that introduces us to Joe (a burly and bearded Joaquin Phoenix). We learn he is a hired gun who specializes in retrieving the young daughters of wealthy, prominent parents from sex trafficking rings. He works off the grid and in his own moral mélange of brutality and compassion. Ramsay only feeds us bits but Joe’s scar-riddled body and glazy worn eyes speak volumes.
When not embedded in New York’s sordid underbelly, Joe cares for his elderly dementia-stricken mother (played by Judith Roberts). Phoenix, the definition of committed and uncompromising, seamlessly moves back-and-forth between these two contrasting worlds. In one scene he’s wiping off a blood-soaked hammer and shortly after polishing silverware and singing a song with his mother. And when Ramsay pushes us deeper into Joe’s head we witness suicidal impulses and traumatic flashbacks to his childhood and military service. They come in startling quick bursts making them all the more unsettling.
Things get even uglier when Joe takes a job to find a State Senator’s daughter (Ekaterina Samsonov) only to run face-first into unexpectedly deeper levels of depravity and corruption. The story grows darker (there is rarely any light to begin with) and the bloodshed amps up. But Ramsay doesn’t revel in the violence nor exploit it for effect. Joe, her principle subject, is a child of violence and his dark psychological journey is often defined by it. While at times graphic, most of the killing happens just off camera or from strategic perspectives – a cracked mirror on a ceiling or through surveillance cameras. It certainly doesn’t mute the savagery.
Ramsay’s style of filmmaking has a fascinating synergy with this material. She often tells her stories through vivid imagery and pulsing sound design instead of a more traditional narrative structure. This is what keeps “You Were Never Really Here” from falling in with more conventional genre pictures. Her camera works like a gritty kaleidoscope, creating and maintaining an essential mood and intensity. Jonny Greenwood’s menacing score is filled with eerie strings and synthesized chords as if pulled from the cracked psyche of its lead character. It all works together in a twisted hypnotic harmony.
At the 2017 Cannes Film Festival “You Were Never Really Here” received a seven-minute standing ovation. Awards went to both Ramsay (Best Screenplay) and Phoenix (Best Actor). I understood why after first seeing it. But it was my second viewing that I was able to fall in with the film’s unique rhythms. And while Joe isn’t necessarily a character you want to spend time with nor is this a comfortable world to be in, Lynne Ramsay keeps our eyes glued to every frame.
Keith & the Movies 
I’d not seen a film from this director before. I was very impressed with the subtle way the PTSD was established and the unconventional resolution. The music and soundscapes were intense, and there are images I’m unlikely to forget. This was a great film.
Great to hear you loved it too. Great point on the handling of PTSD. This movie caught me offguard. Didn’t know what to expect but it blew me away. So you haven’t seen “Winter’s Bone”? Definitely give it a look.
Nope, I’m wrong, I did see Winter’s Bone, just did not remember she did it.
Wait, Wait. I’m sooo wrong. Getting my directors mixed up. Debra Granik (another great filmmaker) made Winter’s Bone and more recently Leave No Trace. My bad!
Great director and it sounds like a great movie. I’ve been wanting to see it ever since it came out. Great review that makes me want to watch it tonight!
Yes! Have you seen Winter’s Bone? I loved that movie. This one really caught me by surprise. Somehow I didn’t catch that Ramsay directed it when it first released. Once I found out I instantly grabbed it. So glad I did.
I did and loved it. It’s a movie I could watch any day. I love the southern atmosphere and the plot is fantastic. Not to mention this got JLaw her first Oscar. We Need to Talk About Kevin on the other hand gave me the chills and I was seriously contemplating on whether or not I should watch it again… like ever.
“Kevin” is a really tough watch. But it certainly shows the talent Ramsay possesses. If I were a producer I would back anything she creates.
WAIT. Forgive my dopiness. She didn’t do Winter’s Bone. That was Debra Granik. Grrrr. Sorry about that.
Oh, no worries. I didn’t even bother checking. lol. You just made me think of how much I liked the movie, regardless to Ms. Ramsay 🙂
Ha ha! In the end they are two strong female voices that we need more movies from. Maybe next time I’ll get their names right. 😀
One of the best of the year.
I think I’m with you. This thing blew me away.
Great review! I just watched this myself for the first time. I thought the run time flew by. I wanted a bit more, but I really enjoyed what I got.
Thank you! It definitely flies by. I found myself completely absorbed in it. I think it was the second viewing that solidified the score for me. Such a nice surprise.
Great review! Thanks for reminding me of this film. I’ve been meaning to watch it since forever. When it hit theaters over here I was in the middle of my exams and when I finished them, the film didn’t play anymore. I’m currently looking for Blu Rays to order, and thanks to your reminder, I can add that one to the list :).
Definitely find time for it. I was amazed at how effective it was as creating tension through the visuals. And Phoenix is stellar. Interested in hearing your reaction to it.
This is a film that I really, really, really, really want to see as I’m a big fan of Lynne Ramsay and I love her previous films as I often await for what she is willing to do.
Oh Ramsay knocks it out with this one. And Phoenix is the perfect fit for her gritty yet poetic vision. Hope you can see it soon. Be sure to tell me what you think.
Rather creepy and intense. Nice review.
Thanks man. Creepy and intense fits well.
Also saw this twice and it’s an amazing film. Phoenix is mesmorising and it has some stunning moments.
I can’t get it out of my head!
Great piece. I really admired the film too. Despite it’s sedate pacing, it’s completely gripping. Phoenix is part of its success but Ramsay has a real sense of the cinematic frame that elevates her work with subtle visual clues that prove so immersive.
So true. Ramsay is the real deal. Talk about a powerful cinematic voice.
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Thank you!
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Thanks so much!
it was a great movie. Joaquin phoenix is a underrated actor.
So true! Phoenix is sublime. This could make my Top 10 at the end of the year. Love the movie.