Unsane (2018)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  Unsane utilises its limited camera equipment to create a stripped back psychological thriller. Supposedly entirely filmed on the ever popular iPhone mobile device, it proves that directors and aspiring filmmakers do not require expensive IMAX cameras to tell a compelling story. Whilst this gimmick is a trend that I don't necessarily agree with, surprisingly I succumbed to the lower camera quality and became invested in this twisted thriller. A young woman, who in the past held a restraining order against a stalker, seeks advice from a doctor. Classed as a threat to herself and others, she accidentally volunteers herself into a psychiatric ward which makes her question her own sanity. Much like 'Side Effects' (a personal favourite of mine), Soderbergh relishes in the clinical environment that he is portraying. The psychotic behaviour of certain patients allows him to manipulate our minds with a twisty narrative to keep our sane eyes glued to the screen. The plot itself is nothing new and may feel all too familiar, but it's a seamless transition from a general psychological analysis of one character to then become a fully developed stalker thriller. The first two acts are anchored by an intelligent screenplay, allowing the main character to become developed and relatable. Then the third act takes the story, overdoses on thrills and quickly descends into a clichéd climax. Some of the character choices are absurd, but it never takes itself too seriously. Soderbergh knows how to have fun with the genre whilst showcasing his directing talent, I mean those one take scenes in the confinement cell were magnificent. Foy gave a damn solid performance as she shouts, rages and sasses...all in a flawless American accent...simultaneously. Her character was a perfect balance of sarcastic humour and emotional vulnerability. The problem with using a mobile device is that it lacks a certain cinematic quality. The limitation of the hardware consequently becomes a detriment to lighting, motion fluidity and sound. In the end, it's another entertaining thriller from Soderbergh.

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