We can discuss the theme of evil when analyzing Kevin’s behavior. Throughout the film, Kevin’s behavior gets progressively worse. At first, he only lashes out against Eva, but soon enough his actions start to have an impact on the rest of the family and, eventually, the rest of the community as well through his final act of killing several students in his school.
The film seems to challenge the viewers to reflect upon whether Kevin is mentally ill or evil. The fact that we mostly see Kevin as a child and teenager makes the issue even more controversial, as this is contrary to the typical image people have of children, which they might not want to see capable of committing deliberate acts of cruelty.
Throughout the film, Kevin seems to choose Eva as a target. Since the very beginning he refuses to respond to her, makes her life difficult, and shuts her down whenever Eva tries to engage with him. His behavior shifts radically when it comes to his father, Franklin. Then, he is well-behaved and friendly. This makes Franklin doubt Eva, meaning that Eva feels alone and unhappy in her family. The way Kevin deliberately chooses to be nice with Franklin so he can drive a wedge between Franklin and Eva seems deliberately evil.
At the same time, it should be noted that the film is seen from Eva’s point of view. Therefore, we only have access to her memories of Kevin and the way she interprets his past actions in the context of his terrible crimes. It could very well be that Kevin’s defiance as a toddler and a young child is exaggerated, as children his age would not have been capable of such deep thinking and careful planning ...
