“My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done” is a thriller that follows a disturbed man who killed his mother with a sword. The film is full of surreal and dreamlike sequences, and the protagonist’s unraveling is portrayed through flashbacks and clues left by his friends and family. As detectives work to unravel the mystery behind the murder, they discover a web of strange behaviors that suggest something much darker may be at play. The film is filled with dread and tension, as viewers are forced to confront the question: what could push someone to such an extreme act of violence?

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Review
My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done: A Brené Brown-inspired Review
Have you ever watched a film that left you questioning everything you thought you knew about human nature? Well, My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done may just do that to you. This 2009 psychological thriller directed by Werner Herzog is not your typical crime drama. It’s both haunting and beautiful with its stunning cinematography and moving score.
The story follows Brad McCullum (Michael Shannon), a man who kills his mother with a sword. The police arrive at the scene to find Brad barricaded in his home with two hostages. As they try to negotiate with him, flashbacks reveal the events leading up to this brutal murder.
But what makes this film stand out is not just its unique plot but also its cast of talented actors. Michael Shannon delivers a captivating performance as Brad, portraying the character’s descent into madness with chilling intensity. Willem Dafoe portrays Detective Havenhurst, who must navigate through strange clues and past experiences to get closer to solving Brad’s motivations for his actions.
As for Chloe Sevigny, she gives an intriguing portrayal of Ingrid, Brad’s fiancee who is left bewildered as she tries to understand his erratic behavior.
The movie has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. But one thing everyone agrees on is that the film leaves an impression long after it ends.
From an analysis standpoint, My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done has been praised for its philosophical underpinnings by Herzog himself in interviews after the release of the movie. He believes this film is about exploring the human psyche and what drives us to do such heinous acts.
Shannon’s character embodies a person going through a mental breakdown when exposed to different stressors that ultimately drive him off the rails. This interpretation highlights how society shapes us and can push some people over the edge.
On the technical side, the film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the landscape surrounding San Diego. The use of color helps set the mood for each scene, with warm tones that create a sense of unease and cool colors that provide a somber tone.
The score by Ernst Reijseger adds an eerie feeling to the movie. It’s subtle but ever-present, enhancing the movie’s unsettling vibe.
One of the highlights of this masterpiece is how it juggles comedic and serious moments without compromising either. Herzog beautifully blends absurdity and tragedy in ways that make you uncertain whether you should laugh or be horrified.
If you’re looking for a highly suspenseful film with deep philosophical themes at its core, My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done is an excellent choice to watch. Don’t let its slow pace discourage you; this movie will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about society and human nature.
Technical Data

- Runtime : 91
- Release : 2009-12-11
- Genre : Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast : Michael Shannon as Brad McCullum, Willem Dafoe as Detective Hank Havenhurst, Chloë Sevigny as Ingrid, Brad Dourif as Uncle Ted, Michael Peña as Detective Vargas
- Crew : David Lynch as Executive Producer, Werner Herzog as Screenplay, Werner Herzog as Director, Peter Zeitlinger as Director of Photography, Joe Bini as Editor
- Popularity 13.685
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Absurda, Paper Street Films, Industrial Entertainment
- Summary : Brad has committed murder and barricaded himself inside his house. With the help of his friends and neighbours, the cops piece together the strange tale of how this nice young man arrived at such a dark place.
- Tagline : The Mystery Isn’t Who. But Why.