The role of Joe didn't require Joaquin Phoenix to memorize many lines for this harsh and violent narrative. He earns his living by finding girls who have disappeared – whether they left on their own or not – and bringing them back home. Sometimes these rescues are simple, but more often it’s a risky undertaking that forces him to fight against people in various positions of authority. It's this latest mission to save…

While my reaction to _You Were Never Really Here_ wasn’t quite the same as many others’, I still strongly suggest seeing it. Joaquin Phoenix delivers one of his finest performances, and that's high praise indeed. Final rating:★★★ - It was enjoyable, and I would advise checking it out.

The considerable buzz surrounding the movie, with comparisons drawn to ‘Taxi Driver,’ naturally set my expectations high, fueled by the idea of Phoenix embodying an antihero reminiscent of Travis Bickle. Did I feel let down? Yes, like a child who doesn't receive their desired Christmas gift. If Joaquin Phoenix received best actor recognition at Sundance for this film, then I must be pursuing the wrong career p…