Unsane is a psychological thriller with the essence of a modern day Twilight Zone episode. Granted, the film has no supernatural elements, but it often feels like the main character has slipped into a parallel universe. It’s a journey down the rabbit hole where one of two things are happening: either our protagonist has gone completely mad or the whole world is conspiring against her. Much like Get Out, the story might sound too preposterous to actually happen in real life. If you open yourself up to the suspension of disbelief, however, the film will crawl under your skin and into your head.
Here are three reasons why Unsane is an insanely entertaining ride that should be on your radar.
3. The Creepy Premise
Claire Foy stars as Sawyer Valentini, a young businesswoman trying to start her life over after being relentlessly pursued by a stalker (Joshua Leonard). To cope with her paranoia and distress, Sawyer seeks out psychological help. In a twisted turn of events, however, she finds herself locked up in a mental institution surrounded by doctors and administrators who won’t let her leave. Among her fellow patients are Juno Temple as an unstable nutcase and Jay Pharoah as a wise guy with a conspiracy theory. Worst of all, one of the staff members shares an uncanny resemblance to Sawyer’s stalker.
This premise works on multiple levels. Is Sawyer really disillusion or is this just the worst hospital since One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest? Even after the truth is revealed, Unsane only manages to get even more unnerving.
2. Steven Soderbergh’s Intense Direction
Director Steven Soderbergh has a knack for creating anxiety-inducing settings that feel common while also being otherworldly. His work on films like Side Effects and Contagion are prime examples. In Unsane, he takes the claustrophobia to another level by shooting the movie on an iPhone 7 Plus in 4K. The gritty, if not crude, quality only adds to the uncomfortable atmosphere, making the audience feel as if they’re right beside Sawyer. Actually, the aspect ratio makes the entire movie look like it’s framed in a padded cell. As intense as Unsane is, though, Soderbergh isn’t afraid to incorporate a few moments of dark humor.
1. Claire Foy’s Gripping Performance
Foy is best known for her Golden Globe-winning work on Netflix’s The Crown as Queen Elizabeth II. Audiences are thus used to seeing the English actress in a glamorous role that requires great subtly. Foy’s turn here is a total departure as a woman trying to maintain power and her own sanity in a strange, foreign place. It’s an emotionally exhausting performance from Foy, who faces a new obstacle around every corner and can never seem to catch a break. No matter how hopeless and bizarre matters become, however, Foy keeps the audience grounded in a well-plotted thriller without a solitary dull moment.
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