Eva, a mother whose life seemed to be on a path toward happiness, faces the heart-wrenching reality that her son, Kevin, is a troubled and enigmatic child. Since his birth, Kevin has shown signs of disobedience and manipulation, leaving Eva in a constant state of alertness and anxiety. As Kevin grows, the relationship between mother and son becomes increasingly tense, marked by a blend of love and desperation.
The story unfolds in a non-linear format, interspersing flashbacks of Kevin's childhood with Eva's life following the tragic act of violence her son commits at school. This structure creates an atmosphere of mounting unease, where the audience witnesses the emotional burden that Eva carries. Through her memories, Eva's failed attempts to connect with Kevin and understand his inner demons are revealed. Social pressure and guilt haunt her as she grapples with the judgment of others regarding her role in her son's life.
With tense cinematography and an exceptional performance, particularly by Tilda Swinton, the film explores the complexities of motherhood, guilt, and the limits of parental responsibility, leaving the audience with disturbing questions about the nature of evil and the role that parenting plays in human behavior. It is an emotionally overwhelming experience that leaves no one indifferent.