Unsane

Unsane is a psychological thriller that plays out like a nightmare you can't wake up from. However, while it tries to dig deep into the mind of fear, it sometimes flounders along the way.

A Nightmare in Confinement

The movie follows Sawyer Valentini, played by Claire Foy, who is unwittingly committed to a mental institution after seeking help for her trauma. Once inside, she discovers that her greatest fear—a stalker—is closer than she could have ever imagined. The plot unfolds as Sawyer battles her own demons and the institution's questionable practices, leading to moments of tension and uncertainty. While the themes of fear and mental health are compelling, the narrative occasionally veers towards the predictable, leaving some twists feeling more contrived than shocking.

Performances That Miss the Mark

Claire Foy delivers a strong performance as Sawyer, embodying the character's fear and confusion with conviction. However, some supporting characters, like Juno Temple's Violet, feel underdeveloped and do little to enhance the plot. Joshua Leonard's portrayal of the stalker, David Strine, is unsettling but lacks the depth needed to make him truly memorable. There are instances where the cast shines, yet many characters seem to be stuck in one-dimensional roles, which detracts from the overall emotional weight the film aims to achieve.

Unconventional Yet Uneven

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film employs a unique visual style, shot entirely on an iPhone, which adds an immediacy to the unsettling atmosphere. The use of tight shots and disorienting angles heightens the sense of claustrophobia and anxiety that permeates the story. However, this stylistic choice sometimes overwhelms the narrative, leading to moments of confusion rather than clarity. The editing could have benefitted from a more deliberate pace, as some sequences feel drawn out while others rush through pivotal moments, creating an uneven viewing experience.

Tension with Frustration

Watching Unsane is often a mixed bag of tension and frustration. The film's exploration of mental health and fear of the unknown taps into real anxieties, but there are stretches where the pacing drags, leaving viewers checking the runtime. While there are intense moments that grip you, the repetitive nature of some scenes can dull the impact of the narrative. Ultimately, the emotional engagement fluctuates, making it difficult to fully invest in Sawyer's journey as she navigates her harrowing circumstances.