Killing Eve – Analysis
The scene opens with a wide shot that gradually zooms in, establishing both the
setting and the time of day. The sound of a bike starting enhances the atmosphere,
adding a subtle layer of realism. As the female cast is introduced, the combination of
slow zoom and dramatic, suspenseful music builds a sense of unease. Instead of
dialogue, the scene relies on sound details, such as the scraping of spoons, to
create an immersive experience. Certain objects, like the ice cream bowl and a
watch, are given deep focus, emphasizing their significance. The use of eye-level
and medium shots is particularly noticeable when the woman watches the child.
The woman is often filmed in single shots, which makes it clear she is the main
character. A wide shot brings in a man, then the focus shifts, and an extreme close-
up of his smile adds more mystery. Medium close-ups show the woman trying to get
the young girl to smile, but then she mimics the man’s smile, which makes things
even more confusing. Her strange behaviour and body language feel unsettling. The
scene then shifts to a cafe, where an upbeat song plays in contrast to the tense
atmosphere. The mis-en-scene makes the setting feel close and personal, pulling
the audience in.
The editing is smooth, with continuity editing ensuring everything flows naturally.
There are no fast cuts, so the scene feels uninterrupted. However, the focus shifts to
important objects, like the watch, hinting at its significance. A tracking shot follows
the woman as she leaves the cafe, smirking after purposely dropping ice cream on
the girl. This moment creates uncertainty and adds mystery. At first, she seems
friendly, but her mood quickly changes when she notices the girl is paying attention
to the receptionist instead of her. That sudden shift makes her seem almost
psychopathic, adding tension.
The next scene jumps to Eve struggling in bed. A close-up and neutral angle capture
her discomfort, and a dirty single shot shows her husband trying to help. A two-shot
of them talking keeps the focus on their conversation. The mis-en-scene, with cozy
clothes and soft lighting, makes the space feel safe and homey. The sound suddenly
shifts from upbeat music to a sharp scream, catching the audience off guard. Their
conversation reflects on the previous night, mixing humour with tension to ease
Eve’s distress. The editing keeps everything flowing, likely using a long take to
ensure the conversation feels uninterrupted.
When Eve opens the door, the loud creak grabs attention. A tracking shot follows her
and her friend walking to work, their outfits helping to establish their personalities.
The Binary Opposites Theory comes into play as Eve and her friend contrast each
other, one is full of energy, while the other is barely awake.
Their friendly banter is clear in their dialogue. A close-up of Eve’s friend leads into a
slow zoom toward the conference room, emphasizing the shift in setting. The dim
lighting creates a more intimate feel, while their business attire reinforces the
professional environment. A two-shot of Eve and her boss highlights their importance
in the scene. The Binary Opposites Theory appears again, displaying Eve's
awkwardness in contrast to her surroundings' composed manner. Tension rises
when Eve’s boss dismisses her, but humour helps lighten the moment, especially in
how her lateness is mentioned. Extreme close-ups capture Eve and her boss’s
reactions to the images, with small facial expressions like raised eyebrows adding
detail. The scene suddenly cuts when Eve calls the story “cool,” shifting to Caroline’s
shocked expression. The focus quickly moves to a news report about a Russian
diplomat's assassination in Vienna, making the audience connect the dots. The
woman from the first scene now seems suspicious, and her behaviour in the cafe
suggests she might be involved in the crime. This raises the stakes and increases
the mysterious vibe.
