Eileen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mousy prison secretary gets a makeover and a girlfriend, then things get VERY messy involving a dead cop and a basement hostage situation, all because everyone in 1960s Massachusetts had too much gin and not enough therapy.

🍿 Eileen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Drab Existence in 1960s Massachusetts

Eileen Dunlop, a young woman in 1960s Massachusetts, leads a monotonous life as a secretary at a juvenile detention center. She lives with her alcoholic and emotionally abusive father, Jim, a former police officer. Eileen’s days are filled with grim routines and suppressed desires, marked by both sexual frustration and morbid fantasies.

The Arrival of Rebecca and a Budding Connection

The arrival of Rebecca St. John, a glamorous and Harvard-educated psychologist, disrupts Eileen’s mundane world. Eileen is immediately drawn to Rebecca’s sophistication and confidence. A complex, somewhat ambiguous relationship begins to develop between them, hinting at both mentorship and a suppressed romantic or erotic undercurrent.

A Dark Turn of Events

Rebecca involves Eileen in her investigation of a troubled inmate, Lee Polk, who is imprisoned for murdering his father. Rebecca suspects the inmate’s mother of complicity in abuse. This investigation takes a drastic turn when Rebecca takes matters into her own hands, leading Eileen down a dangerous and morally compromising path. The situation escalates rapidly, culminating in violence and unexpected revelations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eileen Dunlop (Thomasin McKenzie): A lonely and repressed young secretary at a boys’ prison in 1960s Massachusetts, who yearns for escape from her dull life and abusive father.
• Rebecca St. John (Anne Hathaway): A glamorous and enigmatic psychologist who arrives at the prison and captivates Eileen, leading her down a dark and unexpected path.
• Jim Dunlop (Shea Whigham): Eileen’s alcoholic and emotionally abusive father, a former police officer haunted by his past.
• Lee Polk (Sam Nivola): A young inmate at the prison, imprisoned for the murder of his father, whose case becomes a focal point of Rebecca’s interest.
• Mrs. Polk (Marin Ireland): The mother of Lee Polk, who is called in by Rebecca for questioning, unveiling dark secrets regarding her son’s abuse.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jim Dunlop: “Some people, they are the real people. Like in a movie, they’re the ones you’re watching, they’re the ones making moves. And the other people, they’re just there filling the space. And you take’em for granted. You think, they’re easy. Take a penny, leave a penny. That’s you, Eileen.” – Jim says this to Eileen expressing his harsh opinion of her worth.
• Rebecca: “I have Mrs. Polk tied up downstairs.” – Rebecca nonchalantly reveals her shocking plan to Eileen, marking a significant turning point in the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,435,007
• Worldwide Gross: $1,673,665

💥 Eileen Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn in by the atmosphere of ‘Eileen’. The muted colors and the setting of a dreary 1960s town created a sense of unease that never really let up. Thomasin McKenzie was amazing as Eileen, perfectly capturing her awkwardness and desperation. I especially felt for her during the scene where her father humiliates her; it was brutal to watch. Anne Hathaway as Rebecca was such a wild card; you never knew what she was really thinking, which made her incredibly compelling. While the twist felt a little sudden, I appreciated the film’s boldness in taking such a dark turn. It definitely stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas and thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories with complex female leads”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a strong sense of atmosphere and period detail”
  • “Audiences who enjoy ambiguous endings and open interpretations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Substance abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Rollingstone.com: “Eileen boasts strong performances from McKenzie and Hathaway, creating a compelling and unsettling dynamic. The film excels in its meticulous recreation of the 1960s setting, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere. However, the plot’s abrupt turns may leave some viewers feeling disoriented. The film struggles to blend its psychological drama with thriller elements, resulting in an uneven narrative.
• FandomWire: “Thomasin McKenzie shines as Eileen, conveying the character’s repressed desires and inner turmoil with subtlety. Anne Hathaway delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic Rebecca. Although the third act introduces a jarring twist, the film’s exploration of female relationships and societal constraints is intriguing. While the pacing is slow, the film’s atmospheric visuals and strong acting make it worth watching.
• The New Yorker: “Eileen offers a compelling character study of a young woman trapped in a bleak and repressive environment. The film’s strengths lie in its strong performances and atmospheric visuals. However, the plot’s sudden shift into thriller territory feels somewhat contrived. The film lacks a satisfying resolution, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. While the film is visually stunning, its narrative shortcomings detract from its overall impact.

Audience Reactions

McKenzie’s portrayal of Eileen is mesmerizing.: The film’s atmospheric visuals and period details are highly praised.

Hathaway is captivating as the enigmatic Rebecca.: Viewers enjoy the dark and twisted tone of the story.

Overall Consensus: Eileen is a dark and atmospheric character study with strong performances from McKenzie and Hathaway, though some find the plot’s abrupt twists and lack of resolution unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was shot with ARRI ALEXA Mini digital cameras using a special Angénieux 25-250 HR zoom lens to resemble the look of film, as shooting on actual film was not feasible due to budget constraints.”
• “Ottessa Moshfegh, the author of the novel, co-wrote the screenplay, adapting her own work for the screen.”
• “The film is set in 1960s Massachusetts and great effort was put into the aesthetic of the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Eileen?

As of October 2024, ‘Eileen’ is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) may also be available from retailers such as Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Eileen, you might like these similar films:

• Carol (2015): Both films explore the complex relationship between two women in a restrictive, socially conservative setting, with similar themes of desire and forbidden love.
• Lady Macbeth (2016): Also directed by William Oldroyd, this film shares a similar tone and focus on a woman breaking free from societal constraints, albeit in a different historical setting.
• Heavenly Creatures (1994): This film tells the story of a dangerous friendship that has the same complex friendship that ends in violence as ‘Eileen’.

🛒 Eileen Related Products

• Ottessa Moshfegh – Eileen: A Novel: Dive deeper into the world of Eileen with the original novel by Ottessa Moshfegh. Explore the character’s inner thoughts and motivations, gaining a richer understanding of the story.
• 1960s Fashion Style Guide: Explore the fashion of the 1960s and its impact on popular culture.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema [Blu-ray]: Explore classic examples of the genre that inspired ‘Eileen,’ a cinematic journey into dark and psychologically complex themes.
• Retro Martini Cocktail Set: Transport yourself to the smoky atmosphere of the bar where Eileen and Rebecca bond. This vintage-inspired martini set will help you recreate those memorable scenes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Eileen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” – performed by Nancy Wilson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Thomasin McKenzie Fell in Love With ‘Eileen’ Co-Star Anne Hathaway ‘By Watching “Princess Diaries”’

Ever wondered how the on-screen magic happens? Thomasin McKenzie admits she was already a huge Anne Hathaway fan before filming ‘Eileen’! It’s kinda sweet to see how ‘The Princess Diaries’ played a role in their connection.

Ottessa Moshfegh: The Waterstones Interview

Curious about the mind behind ‘Eileen’? This interview with Ottessa Moshfegh dives into her inspiration and creative process! She’s such an interesting person, and it definitely makes me appreciate the story even more.

Mark Kermode reviews Eileen – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Want to know what the critics are saying about ‘Eileen’? Mark Kermode gives his take on the film, and he’s always got such interesting insights. Definitely worth a watch before you make up your own mind!

✨ Rate