“Eileen” is a psychological thriller film directed by William Oldroyd. It stars Thomasin McKenzie, Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland, Owen Teague, and Anne Hathaway. The story is set in 1960s Massachusetts and follows the relationship between two women working at a juvenile detention facility. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023 and received positive reviews from critics. The genre of the movie is a psychological thriller.
Quick Plot Summary
“Eileen” is a movie about a young woman named Eileen who works at a place for troubled boys. She has a difficult life at home with her father who is not very nice to her. Eileen meets a new psychologist named Rebecca who she really likes. One day, Rebecca and Eileen get involved in a dangerous situation with a boy’s mother. Eileen ends up doing something she never thought she would do. In the end, Eileen makes a big decision and leaves her town behind.
Ending Explanation
The ending of “Eileen” is quite complex and carries deep meanings. Eileen Dunlop, the main character, makes a series of drastic decisions that change the course of her life. By shooting Rita in the shoulder and then abandoning her in a car to possibly die, Eileen crosses a line from being a passive dreamer into taking violent action. This shows her desperation to escape her current life and her willingness to do anything for Rebecca, whom she loves.
When Rebecca doesn’t show up as planned, it signifies a betrayal and perhaps a realization for Eileen that her feelings for Rebecca might not be reciprocated in the way she hoped. However, Eileen’s decision to leave town, smiling as she hitches a ride, indicates that she feels liberated from her previous life. It’s as if by leaving behind her father, her job, and her town, she’s shedding the parts of her life that made her unhappy.
The ending suggests themes of escape and transformation. Eileen is willing to go to extreme lengths to break free from her oppressive circumstances. Her smile at the end suggests a mix of relief, freedom, and perhaps a hint of excitement for what lies ahead, despite the morally questionable actions she took. It’s a complex ending that leaves the audience thinking about the lengths people will go to in search of a better life and the consequences of those actions.
Similar Movies
Given your interest in Eileen, a 2023 psychological thriller with a focus on complex female relationships and a moody, evocative setting, you might enjoy the following movies which share similar themes, tones, or narrative elements:
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Carol (2015) – Directed by Todd Haynes, this romantic drama set in the 1950s New York follows the relationship between a young aspiring photographer and an older woman going through a difficult divorce. Like Eileen, it offers a period setting and explores complex female dynamics.
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Shirley (2020) – Directed by Josephine Decker, this biographical drama stars Elisabeth Moss as the horror writer Shirley Jackson. It’s a psychological thriller that delves into the intricacies of Shirley’s relationship with a younger couple, echoing the psychological depth and tension found in Eileen.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) – Directed by David Fincher, this thriller, based on the novel by Stieg Larsson, features a powerful female lead who forms an unlikely partnership to solve a mystery. While more focused on crime and investigation, it shares the dark, gritty tone and complex character dynamics of Eileen.
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Gone Girl (2014) – Another film directed by David Fincher, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, explores the complexities of a woman’s disappearance and the ensuing media frenzy and police investigation. Like Eileen, it offers a psychological exploration of its characters set against a thrilling backdrop.
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The Favourite (2018) – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this historical black comedy-drama focuses on the political machinations and personal relationships of Queen Anne’s court. It shares the dark humor, complex female relationships, and psychological depth seen in Eileen.
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We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) – Directed by Lynne Ramsay, this psychological thriller explores the fraught relationship between a mother and her son, who has committed a heinous act. It delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and maternal bonds, resonating with the dark psychological themes of Eileen.
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Mystic River (2003) – Directed by Clint Eastwood, this crime drama thriller explores the lives of three men who are irrevocably changed by a tragic event in their childhood. It shares the moody, atmospheric quality and exploration of dark human emotions found in Eileen.
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Mulholland Drive (2001) – Directed by David Lynch, this neo-noir mystery film involves an amnesiac woman and a bright-eyed Hollywood hopeful who search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality. It offers a complex narrative and psychological depth akin to Eileen.
These films, while differing in setting and storyline, share with Eileen a psychological complexity, a focus on intricate relationships (especially between women), and a captivating atmospheric quality that engages viewers on multiple levels.
Reference: Wikipedia
