Unsane

Name: Unsane
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Released: March 23, 2018
Duration: 98 min
Rating: 63
Cast: Aimee Mullins, Amy Irving, Claire Foy, Colin Woodell, Erin Wilhelmi

2018

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Generally favorable reviews based on 45 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings

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6.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

20th Century Fox | Release Date: March 23, 2018 | R

Starring: Aimee Mullins, Amy Irving, Claire Foy, Colin Woodell, Erin Wilhelmi, Gibson Frazier, Jay Pharoah, Joshua Leonard, Juno Temple, Laura Rothschild, Lynda Mauze, Marc Kudisch, Matt Mancini, Michael Mihm, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Polly McKie, Rashonna Jenkins, Sarah Stiles, Sol Marina Crespo, Ursula Triplett, Zach Cherry

Summary: A young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution where she is confronted by her greatest fear - but is it real or is it a product of her delusion?

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Genre(s): Thriller, Horror

Rating: R

Runtime: 98 min

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Critic Reviews

Todd Gilchrist

Mar 20, 2018

Whether shot on an iPhone or just screened on one, Unsane effortlessly flexes Soderbergh’s skill as a storyteller and a technician, injecting the atmosphere and mechanics of a creepy scenario with a substance that deepens and elevates it to the stuff of a harrowing, intimate reality. Read full review

Tim Grierson

Mar 20, 2018

Not all of Unsane’s twists and gambits work—you have to accept a certain amount of movie-movie ludicrousness to get on the film’s loopy wavelength—but Soderbergh’s vision of a smart woman eternally held down against her will has a wonderful, nasty kick to it. Read full review

Steve Macfarlane

Feb 21, 2018

Even Unsane's most ridiculous moments coast on the sheer energy of Steven Soderbergh's aesthetic gamesmanship. Read full review

Richard Lawson

Apr 25, 2018

Despite a wildly uneven “Americarrr” accent (through which the voice of Queen Elizabeth sometimes shines), Foy is excellent in the film, rigid poise giving way to feral anger in always convincing shades. Read full review

David Edelstein

Mar 20, 2018

In spite of the somewhat-cheesy climax, I came away admiring Unsane. Read full review

Michael Phillips

Mar 22, 2018

It’s a grubby, fairly intriguing genre exercise given a weird, did-it-myself-in-a-hurry visual quality. Read full review

Michael O'Sullivan

Mar 21, 2018

A straightforward, B-movie horror flick — “The Snake Pit” without the prestige — complete with intentional overdosing, electroshock torture and patients threatening each other with a sharpened spoons, when they’re not either screaming or catatonic. It also is very, very bad. Read full review

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User Reviews

GinaK

Mar 28, 2018

I was totally surprised at how great this film was even though I consider myself a Soderbergh fan and have enjoyed many of his films. You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation. This kind of film is much scarier than aI was totally surprised at how great this film was even though I consider myself a Soderbergh fan and have enjoyed many of his films. You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation. This kind of film is much scarier than a “traditional” horror film. Claire Foy was wonderful – actually the whole cast was great and completely believable. My paranoia lasted for at least 15 minutes after the film was over.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

yumbo

Apr 3, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Unsane has a split personality - it's really one movie before it becomes, with real, surprising intensity, another entirely - and yet it works both moment-to-moment, which is a testament to Steven Soderbergh's skill as a director and Claire Foy's interpretation of the character, and it works as a commentary on the hostile world that women face on all fronts, especially from men who idealize them. Here, a stalker's idealization of Foy's character is part of the harassment, and she confronts that in such a raw, powerful monologue that you're left to reflect on that as much as anything. That's the second movie. The first movie is a kind of goofy horror flick in which her character can't get out of a mental facility after she unwittingly signs herself into one after a counseling session. Part of what makes Unsane interesting (for awhile) is Sawyer (Foy) is far from a simple victim; she's kind of a snot, and also destructive, and both qualities come out during her stay in the the co-ed commons area. This makes Sawyer more, not less, likable; she's real and unpredictable, liking who likes, mocking who she doesn't. She's a person, in other words, like the rest of us. Which makes her stalker's fairytale vision of her all the more unfair and selfish. Not a bad little movie, and Foy's legit good. She balances tough and touching surprisingly. When her key scene - in a padded isolation room - comes, she nails it. It's real acting in a B-movie plot.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

ahmedaiman9999

Jun 7, 2018

Honestly, I wanted to watch this movie just because it's shot on an iPhone. I have watched only one Soderbergh movie, and it was Logan Lucky which I didn't love as much as critics did. And while the iPhone camera somehow helped to create a unique atmosphere that's somewhat creepy, it'sHonestly, I wanted to watch this movie just because it's shot on an iPhone. I have watched only one Soderbergh movie, and it was Logan Lucky which I didn't love as much as critics did. And while the iPhone camera somehow helped to create a unique atmosphere that's somewhat creepy, it's Claire Foy's extraordinary performance that elevated this low-budget film, and made it a very effective horror film. Claire Foy gave the best performance I've seen this year so far.

Maybe Claire's captivating performance is the most powerful part of the movie, but there are also many other things besides her performance and the unique atmosphere the iPhone camera created. The characters are well-written and have a lot of depth. There are some sub-plots that really helped to develop the main plot and also flesh out the characters. We have some twists and turns that had been used to expand the story and make it more sophisticated. As we progress we can feel the tension increases not just because the developments of the plot, but also thanks to Soderbergh suspenseful directing.

The issue I've with Unsane, which is really a big one, that it tries to make us suspect Sawyer Valentini, and have a doubt if she was really insane or not, while I didn't feel that. I won't lie that I doubted for a couple times that may be she is insane, but that's just because the movie keep pushing me to think about this. The thing that is really strange is that Sawyer got a lot of things that really could have made me believe she is insane; she had a tragic background, a moody persona, and many other things that really could and should have worked as intended. But what I felt is nothing but sympathy for her which really worked to make me worried about her throughout the entire film, and this also worked in terms of the horror aspect. The way the movie concluded the story is so rushed, therefore, it wasn't satisfying at all. Also, there was a sup-plot that is related to a specific character that had been harmed badly because of this rushed ending, and this character was really so important and developed the story so much. There are also some things that hadn't been explained, and I think they were just put to manipulate the viewers and make them think they were really mean anything.

Overall, I really really loved Unsane and I was hooked throughout its 98 minutes. I don't think this iPhone technique will be revolutionary or something, but it definitely paid off.

(7/10)… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

TrevorsView

Jul 26, 2018

It’s no secret that human beings want what they do not have; someone else possesses a far younger/more attractive spouse, you must obtain the same thing; someone makes you feel greatly heartfelt unlike how anyone else has, you develop an unhealthy obsession. This common mindset hasIt’s no secret that human beings want what they do not have; someone else possesses a far younger/more attractive spouse, you must obtain the same thing; someone makes you feel greatly heartfelt unlike how anyone else has, you develop an unhealthy obsession. This common mindset has historically lead mankind’s desires to turn into psychological exploitation of one another, creating deep, penetrated scars that Unsane captures through graceless closeups full of uneasy heartsickness.

One early shot views our protagonist, Sawyer, through leaves to put you in the stalker’s shoes, who followed her from Boston, causing her over the course of the film to essentially lose her mind as she turns into her critical fear. The minute the perspective moves past the bush and in front of Sawyer, wide spaces bear down with dynamic wide angles to emphasize her ultimate desires, which are all motivated by fear.

Sawyer exists alone within strange old Pennsylvania, her empty white wall apartment visualizing vulnerability, setting her in an uncomfortable predicament that similar ladies can comprehend easy. Sawyer‘s new office job only further triggers her being vulnerable to power beneath an inattentive corporate boss. While unfairly depicted, the high authorities‘ apparent unsympathetic practices still helps you naturally cheer on Sawyer’s actions. Once hospitalized due to her mention of past suicidal thoughts, images overlap when Sawyer’s medications cause hallucination. Even worse: Our eyes spot one patient offering Sawyer a welcome home present on her first night… a fresh tampon.

As these uncomfortable shots escalate, her insanity surpasses her stalker’s… he could very well have a better comprehension of love than she. Under an appropriate atmosphere, the script’s cultural relevance should educate the public about stalking effects, particularly in what social media has done to our ease of letting strangers know ourselves.

The entire crew deliver to satisfaction how people deliberately disown another’s needs, starting at the down-to-earth perspective of Nate, a hospital mate whom Sawyer befriends, as he hears when Sawyer‘s stalker began his pursuance, as told through flashbacks that never overstay their welcome. Actor Jay Pharoah absolutely triumphs as Nate, for his charitable voice alone proves perfect sanity.

Then with the cast and crew coordinated with fluidity, shifts between fast and slow beats turn you mentally sick, the camera composition set to convey disconnect between two speakers. The thrills succeed off the little details to suggest a fear that everyone’s gone mental. Regarding Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh’s (Erin Brockovich, Traffic) direction, each character’s sincere hopes right away becomes clear. However, the ensemble’s complementary arcs could’ve better completed Sawyer’s story arc, except little is learned about any of them, including Sawyer’s mother, who appears quite a bit throughout. Consequently, any attempts to deliver an emotional core through parental support turn out unsuccessful.

This love it or hate it type of movie exists chiefly for the sensory experience; although its evocative melody of unfamiliar instruments sounds appropriately written on impulse, Thomas Newman’s (American Beauty, WALL-E) musical score inadequately complements the slower moments to compensate for Sawyer and Nate’s lack of closure together. Therefore, Steven Soderbergh’s latest work isn’t a “masterpiece,” because of the missed chances: the weather conditions could have added some miraculous tension concerning the set up behind blaring walls, but the creativity did not stretch far enough. Likewise, no psychiatric patients appear multidimensional by something like religious backgrounds. Concerning spiritual undertones, Sawyer’s mother seems Christian based on the cross necklace she handles during desperate times, but it wasn’t central enough to make her memorable beyond just a plot device.

Hence most will overlook Unsane, ultimately left to be remembered for the iPhone 7 Plus cinematography. Yes, it all got filmed on said mobile device, the harsh grainy picture creating a harsh, unfamiliar spectacle without any fantasy colors—nothing looks touched up or filtered at all. Everything’s real. Imitating the mentality of younger folks nowadays stuck on mobile devices, every frame looks straight off anyone’s Facebook feed, including a few images that flaunt a deep blue Instagram-ish filter, until you realize that it’s all just a glance of the night from how Sawyer’s stalker perceives it.

Thus, a concrete definition of lost sanity can be concluded: Aiming toward whatever you lack until you no longer recognize your own reflection.

Though apprehensive to watch, Unsane successfully delivers the emotions of the exploited minority, warning you of the dangerous road you’re headed down.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

DirigiblePulp

Mar 24, 2018

A good old-fashioned late night B movie thriller, elevated by dedicated lead performances and Soderbergh's playful, tinkering filmmaking. The whole film has the feel of a docudrama shot on a phone (because it was) that leads to extreme close-ups of faces that distort and distend the actors.A good old-fashioned late night B movie thriller, elevated by dedicated lead performances and Soderbergh's playful, tinkering filmmaking. The whole film has the feel of a docudrama shot on a phone (because it was) that leads to extreme close-ups of faces that distort and distend the actors. This creates a kind of surrealism and unraveling reality to the whole enterprise, though ultimately it's a bit mute. The is she or isn't she sane question doesn't seem to last very long - at least for this particular viewer.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

LegitSalt

Oct 4, 2018

This movie is kind of oppressive and blunt with its themes and messages, showing old ideas in some of the most cliché, and uninspired ways, while not presenting anything new to the table. The movie doesn't help the problems it is addressing during its run, feeding into the stereotypes thatThis movie is kind of oppressive and blunt with its themes and messages, showing old ideas in some of the most cliché, and uninspired ways, while not presenting anything new to the table. The movie doesn't help the problems it is addressing during its run, feeding into the stereotypes that it seems like it wants to end. The acting was quite the range in this piece, at times laughable, whilst at others being quite passable, and sometimes even good. The cinematography brought nothing new to the table, nor did any of the very generic score. Despite these gripes, I had a lot of fun watching the movie, it could be relatively suspenseful, if not predictable, whilst also being a comedy when all else fails. For some reason, Matt Damon is in this movie, although he doesn't give a great performance, nor does he feel like he couldn't have been some no-name actor, being that he was on screen for a total of about 1.5 minutes. The story is ridiculously silly, and I couldn't take anyone seriously by the time we had reached act III. Yet there is definitely some charm here.
I just don't really understand this movie, the director has proved his competentness before, and even the cast has shown that they have merit, yet they regurgitate this unintentionally funny movie. I do recommend this movie, as it is one of the better ones out there for you to sit down for 2.5 hours with your brain turned off. But, if you want to see an incisive take on the pharmaceutical industry or a takedown on society's mistreatment of the mentally disadvantaged, watch something else.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

amanr

Jun 23, 2018

literally the WORST movie I have ever seen. I'd rather see Premonition again, and that movie was straight trash. Steven Soderbergh owes me for wasting my movie night on that POS movie. How do I give this a negative review?!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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