You Were Never Really Here Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Hammer-wielding Joaquin Phoenix smashes through a child trafficking ring while dealing with mommy issues and contemplating offing himself, but like, in a *really* artsy way.

🍿 You Were Never Really Here: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Joe

The film introduces Joe, a traumatized veteran, as he completes a job recovering a missing girl. He lives with his mother and is haunted by flashbacks of his abusive past and experiences in the military. These vivid and fragmented memories highlight his inner turmoil and the violence that defines his existence.

The Votto Case

Joe is hired to find Nina, the missing daughter of State Senator Albert Votto. He tracks her to a brothel and violently rescues her, only to discover Votto has apparently committed suicide. Joe soon realizes he’s caught in a web of corruption involving high-ranking officials and a child sex trafficking ring.

Betrayal and Loss

Joe’s handler and associates are murdered, and his mother is killed in their home. Driven by vengeance, Joe uncovers a conspiracy involving Governor Williams and Nina’s exploitation. The film visually and thematically explores Joe’s descent into darkness, fueled by trauma and loss.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe (Joaquin Phoenix): A traumatized veteran and hired gun who tracks down missing girls, haunted by his past and prone to violence.
• Nina Votto (Ekaterina Samsonov): The kidnapped teenage girl who Joe is hired to rescue, a victim of a high-level sex trafficking ring.
• Joe’s Mother (Judith Roberts): Joe’s ailing and dependent mother, representing a point of vulnerability and connection to his past.
• John McCleary (John Doman): Joe’s handler and a key connection to the assignments, who ultimately becomes a casualty of the conspiracy.
• Senator Albert Votto (Alex Manette): The state senator who hires Joe to find his daughter, entangled in a web of corruption and abuse.
• Governor Williams (Alessandro Nivola): A corrupt governor involved in child sex trafficking, representing the high-level abuse of power.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nina: “It’s okay, Joe. It’s okay.” – Nina says this to Joe after she is forced to kill someone, offering him reassurance and showing a connection between them.
• Nina: “Joe, wake up. It’s a beautiful day.” – Nina’s line at the end implies a glimmer of hope for Joe to find peace despite the darkness.
• Joe: “It is a beautiful day.” – Said quietly by Joe, echoing Nina, signaling a possible turn towards optimism despite everything.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5M
• Domestic Gross: $2.53M
• Worldwide Gross: $9.36M

💥 You Were Never Really Here Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s so incredibly powerful. Joaquin Phoenix is just phenomenal – you can feel his pain and his weariness. The way the director uses flashbacks and visuals really puts you inside his head. The ending, especially that scene in the diner, left me speechless. This isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that sticks with you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a perfect combination of cinematography and character study like this before. It’s truly a masterpiece in its own right.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark and gritty thrillers”
  • “Admirers of Joaquin Phoenix’s acting”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring trauma and violence”
  • “Those who appreciate artistic and unconventional filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing themes including child exploitation”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suicidal thoughts”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Lynne Ramsay delivers a brutal and poetic exploration of trauma, anchored by Joaquin Phoenix’s raw performance. The film’s fragmented narrative and evocative imagery create a haunting, unforgettable experience.
• IndieWire: “A masterclass in atmosphere and tension. Ramsay uses sound and visuals to immerse the viewer in Joe’s fractured psyche, creating a visceral and unsettling journey. Phoenix is magnetic, conveying volumes with minimal dialogue.
• Variety: “Though lean and mean, YWNRH is hardly a conventional thriller. The film excels as a character study of a broken man haunted by violence, past and present, made all the more compelling by Phoenix’s haunting and nuanced performance.

Audience Reactions

Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is a tour de force, delivering a haunting portrayal of a broken man.: Viewers agree that the film’s intense atmosphere and unconventional storytelling make it a unique cinematic experience.

The film is visually stunning, with striking cinematography and a haunting soundtrack that amplify the emotional impact.: Many appreciate the director’s bold choices and the film’s unflinching portrayal of violence and trauma.

Overall Consensus: A dark, visceral, and artistically ambitious film that explores the depths of trauma through a compelling performance by Joaquin Phoenix.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 2017
2. Cannes Film Festival (Best Screenplay)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The scene where Joaquin Phoenix’s character lies down on the floor next to the agent and begins singing was improvised by Phoenix.”
• “Director Lynne Ramsay used fragmented flashbacks and minimal dialogue to reflect Joe’s fractured mental state and trauma.”
• “The film’s visual style, including its use of color and framing, was heavily influenced by the works of cinematographers like Gordon Willis (known for his work on ‘The Godfather’ and ‘All the President’s Men’).”
• “Jonny Greenwood’s unsettling score plays a crucial role in creating the film’s tense and disorienting atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch You Were Never Really Here?

You Were Never Really Here is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Some services may offer a free trial before purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed You Were Never Really Here, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares themes of urban alienation, violence, and a troubled protagonist seeking redemption through violent means. Direct comparison.
• The Professional (Leon) (1994): Features a similar dynamic between a hardened hitman and a young girl he reluctantly takes under his wing. Thematic Similarity.
• Drive (2011): Features a laconic and violent protagonist navigating a seedy underbelly with stylish visuals and a synth-heavy score. Modern Equivalent.
• Manhunter (1986): Explores the psychological toll on law enforcement officers dealing with extreme violence. Thematic Similar.

🛒 You Were Never Really Here Related Products

• You Were Never Really Here [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Hammer Keychain: A miniature ball-peen hammer keychain. A subtle but evocative tribute to Joe’s weapon of choice.
• Jonny Greenwood – You Were Never Really Here (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Immerse yourself in the film’s haunting atmosphere with Jonny Greenwood’s acclaimed score. This vinyl edition is a must-have for collectors and music lovers alike.
• Joaquin Phoenix Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the film’s striking poster, featuring Joaquin Phoenix in character. A perfect addition to any film lover’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

You Were Never Really Here features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Eden Rocks” – performed by Jonny Greenwood
• “Hammer and Nails” – performed by Jonny Greenwood
• “Wake Me” – performed by Larry Canady
• “I’ve Never Been to Me” – performed by Charlene

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Violent Meaning of You Were Never Really Here

If you’re intrigued by the raw and powerful themes explored in ‘You Were Never Really Here,’ this video will take you on a captivating journey into the film’s deeper meanings and the complexities of its violence.

You Were Never Really Here reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to hear what a renowned film critic thinks about ‘You Were Never Really Here’? Mark Kermode’s review is a must-watch for anyone interested in delving into the film’s critical reception.

‘Chappaquiddick’ & ‘You Were Never Really Here’ | On Cinema Season X, Ep. 3 | adult swim

In the mood for a lighthearted take on ‘You Were Never Really Here’? Check out this hilarious sketch from ‘On Cinema,’ where they give the film their own unique spin.

The Neo-Noir Genre in Movies | Video Essay

Curious about how ‘You Were Never Really Here’ fits into the Neo-Noir genre? This video essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the genre’s characteristics and the film’s place within it.

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