Sundance 2023: The Gloomy Allure of Eileen
Photo by Chris Barrett at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Eileen
In the murky world of "Eileen," director William Oldroyd masterfully weaves an intricate web of intrigue and desire. Adapted from Ottessa Moshfegh's novel, the film follows Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie), a young woman trapped in a dreary existence, balancing her tumultuous home life with her job at a prison. When the enigmatic Rebecca (Anne Hathaway) arrives, Eileen's life takes a dark and unexpected turn.
Much like his previous work, "Lady Macbeth," Oldroyd excels in crafting complex female characters who challenge societal norms. Both Hathaway and McKenzie deliver riveting performances, with Hathaway's seductive and savage portrayal of Rebecca stealing the show. McKenzie, despite a sometimes shaky accent, embodies Eileen's vulnerability and yearning for connection.
The film's setting, a bleak 1960s Boston, provides an atmospheric backdrop for the characters' twisted relationships. The unspoken tension between Eileen and Rebecca is palpable, hinting at a forbidden love that dares not speak its name. This dynamic evokes memories of Todd Haynes's "Carol," but "Eileen" takes a more enigmatic approach, which is both fascinating and frustrating at times.
Eileen's attraction to Rebecca is not easily defined, leaving viewers with questions about the nature of their connection. The film excels in capturing the uncertainty of human desires, but stumbles as it veers into a crime subplot that feels out of place. This shift dilutes the psychosexual tension built up in the earlier scenes, leaving the audience craving more.
Despite this narrative misstep, "Eileen" remains a compelling exploration of the secrets we keep and the consequences of our actions. Oldroyd's measured approach to storytelling and his knack for subverting expectations shape "Eileen" into a slow-burning thriller that gratifies attentive audiences. The film's unsettling soundtrack and intermittent artistic touches heighten the prevailing atmosphere of disquiet.
Ultimately, "Eileen" paints a chilling picture of two women entangled in a world of darkness. Although it may not surpass the brilliance of Oldroyd's "Lady Macbeth," the film's somber charm and powerful performances from its leads create an engrossing cinematic experience. "Eileen" is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers, provoking thought about the intricacies of human nature and the hidden shadows that dwell just beneath the surface.