Eileen

This psychological thriller and character study offers a vision of a patriarchal social system in which men abuse themselves and others, and that women are implicated in maintaining.

Eileen Dunlop (Thomasin McKenzie) and Dr Rebecca St John (Anne Hathaway) in Eileen (Fifth Season/Film4).

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This post is part of the ‘One Take’ weekly series analysing the politics of a film currently showing at the cinemas.

Content warnings: Domestic abuse; Alcoholism; Violence; Murder.

Note: Given that, at time of writing, Eileen is still showing in UK cinemas, this analysis only lays out as much of the film’s scenario as is necessary so as to avoid spoilers. It is therefore suitable to be read either before or after watching the film, while hopefully still enriching the viewer’s appreciation of it either way.