Movies

Most Underrated Thriller of 2023 With Stephen King Vibe Takes HBO Chart by Storm

Most Underrated Thriller of 2023 With Stephen King Vibe Takes HBO Chart by Storm
Image credit: Neon, Universal Pictures

Did you miss The Green Mile?

Last year was obviously fruitful for intricate thrillers that artfully played with people’s fear of the unknown. These include Sandra Hüller’s Anatomy of a Fall, Michael Fassbender’s The Killer and, of course, Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi’s Saltburn.

However, we bet you’ve clearly missed a suspenseful movie gem that didn’t make that much noise but is still worth a watch. It’s great that this thriller is getting more viewership these days, as it’s now holding the 4th place in HBO’s chart, so let’s take a closer look at it.

Set in the 1960s, this movie follows Eileen, a young woman who works as a secretary at the local youth prison. Her life turns upside down when she meets the new counselor who arrives at the facility and attracts the attention of all by her glamorous appearance.

As the two women grow closer, Eileen starts to learn more about her true desires, including the one to change her life completely. When her new friend reveals a dark secret, Eileen is finally given the possibility to do what she really wants.

It’s quite curious that this thriller is set in a prison and has to deal with some mysteries related to one of its inmates. Be sure that its plot, atmosphere and tone are really reminiscent of Stephen King ’s The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption.

Most Underrated Thriller of 2023 With Stephen King Vibe Takes HBO Chart by Storm - image 1

Besides, it offers quite a jaw-dropping twist in the middle of the film that takes its narration into a completely different direction. You can try to guess what it can be when the character of Eileen’s mysterious friend is introduced, but you’ll fail to do it.

Nevertheless, it is the movie’s leads who make it really special. The thriller stars Thomasin McKenzie, known for 2021’s Last Night in Soho, and the acclaimed Anne Hathaway, whose recent thriller Mothers' Instinct wasn’t too impressive for fans.

Titled Eileen, this movie stands out among other films of the last year due to the fact it impeccably follows the genre’s formula and doesn’t mess it up, being a good old thriller. That is why it earned a pretty decent critical score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Gorgeous movie. Loved the cinematography and overall style, including the credits. Thomasin Mackenzie and Anne Hathaway are both stellar,” concludes Redditor @SporadicEmoter.

Don’t miss this twisted thriller gem, as Eileen is available for streaming on Max.