Eileen is a film where being vulnerable is at its core. In the film’s introduction, there is already a sense of desperation to feel connected as a girl watches others kiss in their vehicle. With a sad backdrop and eerie lighting in the depths of winter, there is bound to be a treacherous adventure. In Eileen, director William Oldroyd brings his audience into the world of the 1960s. It is a time when feeling loved is at the core of being fulfilled…despite the consequences. Thomasin McKenzie plays Eileen, and she has the looks and the personality to portray a character of deep emotions from a rough life. She sees that some light may come her way, but questions whether what she is doing is right.

Eileen works as an employee at a prison facility where she has agreedy and negative boss. All kinds of weird behaviors go on at the prison and each day is filled with catastrophes and mental stress. There are bizarre scenarios and rude employees all around. On top of it all, she lives with her father Jim (played by Shea Wigham), a former police officer and an alcoholic. Eileen’s father behaves erratically while he verbally abuses and blindsides his daughter. Eileen’s turmoil causes her to seek empathy and imagine closeness to cope. When a new doctor named Rebecca (played by Anne Hathaway) is hired at the prison facility, Eileen feels she has found a loving friend who truly cares about her. Is Eileen’s life about to be fulfilled?

The direction of Eileen focuses on the inseparable bond between Eileen and Rebecca. Rebecca caters to Eileen, buys her a few cocktails, and talks to her repeatedly. Eileen begins to feel her life is improving because someone cares for her. The human connection is surreal as Eileen and Rebecca are chatting on a winter’s night. What Eileen does not realize is that there is something sinister about Rebecca which is hard to see due to the clever and laid-back style of Hathaway’s performance.

While Eileen’s home life is a wreck, she believes that Rebecca is there for her until she begins to experience some weird patterns. Her father is still a narcissistic prick, and the prison facility is still filled with upsetting factors. Most of the film’s first halfcenters on the trials and errors of Eileen’s mental frustrations at home and work. However, Rebecca remains on her mind despite the looming danger. Eileen is a paced-out suspense that remains neutral in its tone. The writing is about personality trumping thoughts of personal safety. Because Eileen feels worthless every day, Rebecca is her light. Will Rebecca shine as brightlyas Eileen believes?

There is a moment in which Eileen’s father tells her, “Love will make you crazy.” This certainly holds true for Eileen as her-obsession with Rebecca causes her to underestimate the kind of situation, she is putting herself in. Due to the negativity in Eileen’s family life, she struggles to suppress her fascination with Rebecca. The tension is hidden, and the conflict is burdensome. Will audiences be ready for what is hidden when they experience Eileen? There are surprises in store for those curious about what is possible in the midst of a crazy trainwreck of a broken life.

Eileen is invigorating thanks to the captivating personalities in the performances of McKenzie and Hathaway. McKenzie’s performance is of a cute young lady who is unaware of what she is getting herself into. Hathaway’s performance is of a mightywoman with an ego and personality to die for. The connection between the two characters is where Eileen truly takes its audience by surprise. Does Rebecca really have deep feelings for Eileen? Is Eileen a target for Rebecca to use as a scapegoat for something irreparable? Rebecca helps Eileen express heranger and emotions about the sad life she must endure. Eileen is a daring experience with an unexpected and questionable outcome. Four out of four stars for Eileen.