WISE Score
Avg. Tomatometer
A chilly 1960s noir that trades cozy vintage vibes for a pitch-black, psychological gut punch.
5.981%
72
Eileen is a mood, and that mood is 'freezing cold and deeply uncomfortable.' It’s a fantastic piece of filmmaking if you’re an adult who enjoys watching a slow-motion car crash of the human psyche, but it’s absolutely not a family-night pick.
It’s a movie about the rot underneath 1960s suburban propriety. If you like Ottessa Moshfegh’s brand of 'unpleasant people doing unpleasant things,' you’re in the right place. If you want a fun 60s caper or a cozy mystery, stay far away from this one.
This is strictly for adults and mature teens (16+). It’s a 'vibes' movie that turns into a 'nightmare' movie, and the slow pacing will likely bore younger kids long before the disturbing content even starts.
This is a movie about deep repression, verbal abuse, and a descent into crime. It intentionally avoids being 'healthy' or 'kind' in favor of gritty realism and psychological rot.
The film does a stellar job of building a claustrophobic, stylized 1960s atmosphere that feels like a fever dream. It's a unique take on the 'unhappy secretary' trope.
Heavy alcoholism, verbal abuse from a parent, and a shocking pivot into kidnapping and violence in the third act make this a minefield for younger viewers.
As a literary adaptation, it offers a complex character study and a sharp look at the darker side of 1960s gender roles and social expectations.
To understand Eileen, you have to understand the source material. Ottessa Moshfegh is famous for writing characters who are, frankly, hard to like. Eileen is no exception—she’s repressed, strange, and makes increasingly terrible choices. For an adult audience, this is a refreshing break from the 'relatable protagonist' trope, but for teens, it can be a confusing watch. They might keep waiting for a hero who never arrives.
The film spends about an hour building a very specific kind of tension. It feels like a lesbian romance or a coming-of-age story set in a prison. Then, it pulls the rug out. The pivot is jarring and violent. It’s the kind of movie that sparks a two-hour debate after the credits roll, which is its greatest strength.
If your teen is into the 'dark academia' aesthetic or loves psychological deep-dives like The Talented Mr. Ripley, this is a solid recommendation. Just be prepared for the conversation about the father; the portrayal of domestic toxicity is far more realistic and upsetting than the actual crime that takes place later on.
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