You Were Never Really Here is a good thriller, B+

Bolstered by a powerful performance by Joaquin Phoenix, You Were Never Really Here's highlight lies in exceptional and unique film making from ground breaking new female director Lynne Ramsay.

Although it might not be the best film of 2018 or Oscar worthy, Amazon's You Were Never Really Here isn't meant to be perfect. It's slow at times, and the plot is thin at points, but when it's good, it's really good. The highlights of the film by far make up for the bad, and surprisingly it's one of the most unique and beautiful films that has been released this year. Besides from that, Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely brilliant as Joe, giving one of the best performances of his career.

You may not like You Were Never Really Here for the first ten minutes or so of the film, but as you keep watching it, the more fascinating and intriguing the movie gets. Above everything else, it's an eye opener for Scottish film director Lynne Ramsay. Her first ever film, You Were Never Really Here shows off true, raw talent in film making, screen writing and cinematography. The sound track can be both very odd at times, but at other times, haunting and fitting in perfectly with the thriller. The way the film is shot screams modernism and indie, which is a brilliant thing these days indeed. It really plays in well with the mode and intense scenes that the film has to offer.

You Were Never Really Here is violent, and by any means shouldn't be watched by kids, but at the same time it isn't as violent as it could be, making the movie bearable for those that are squeamish.
The movie starts off extremely slow, but it's beautiful to look at, and at often times, compelling and captivating.

Another highlight of the film lies within Joaquin Phoenix, who gives perhaps the best performance he's ever done as awkward and socially damaged war vet. He's gained at least forty pounds for the roll, and looks completely different than anything else he's ever been. He's a shoe in for best actor in the Oscar race, and fans will be delighted to see him in a roll where he gives everything he can throughout the film. He's extremely enjoyable to watch from the first scene to the last.
You Were Never Really Here is far from perfect, but the advantages of the film by far make up for the bad parts.

B+