Brian Beckwith

Absolutely incredible movie. Haven't wanted to talk about a movie after leaving the theatre this much since seeing Annihilation. I am baffled by the critics who gave it an average 58% rating. The acting, the cinematography and so much more are so well done - it will be a shame if this movie and Joaquin Phoenix 's performance is snubbed by the Academy Awards. While the claim is that this movie is not a social commentary and a comic book character is used to soften the blow, this movie has a lot to say about mental illness, the weaknesses within our society and how the 2 combined can lead to a destructive end. This movie pulls you into the dark journey of mental illness, makes you sympathize with his struggle in a society that doesn't care about or understand his life, but leaves you torn at the end knowing he's bad, but understanding the forces that led him to such actions. While this movie can have easily been made about the horrible shootings and crimes that take place in modern society and a look at how mental illness and interpretations of societal issues can drive individuals to do horrible things, remember, this is JUST a Batman villain movie....