Unsane

Unsane is a psychological horror-thriller from director Steven Soderbergh, shot entirely using an iPhone 7 Plus in 4K. Now, many would say it's a gimmick, but once the film's watched, one could understand why it was done in such a way.

Under the pseudonym Peter Andrews for the cinematographer, the filmmaker has chosen to tell his story with a mobile phone camera for one obvious reason - to integrate a visceral sense into the motion picture by scaling off the cinematic layer and replace it with reality. Since the feature deals with mental illness, stalking and dangers of social media outlets, this particular decision helps being relevant! Although it was professionally shot for the most parts, cheapness and flaws could be seen here and there. Also, there are too many rapid cuts that could have been avoided or tamed seamlessly on the editing table.

It doesn't matter if the picture is good or otherwise, but we've got ourselves a memorable protagonist. Claire Foy plays Sawyer Valentini (look at that unique name!), a very specific and pressured person dealing with an unspoken Ghost. At first we couldn't understand why would she shout and run away from a Tinder date all of a sudden. Something's mysterious and hidden about this character. Things became apparent and the picture became less of a headache only after she opens up about the creepy stalker named David Strine (Joshua Leonard). She's a severely traumatized victim of stalking! Even after the external and internal conflicts are solved, she's still haunted by the act. Such is the effect!

When she is shockingly pushed into this new scenario, we have no idea what she has gotten herself into! Again, as the story progressed, you could understand the institute's motivations as well. The moment you learn from the mentor-sidekick character Nate Hoffman (Jay Pharaoh) that the place has nothing to be afraid of, it takes away the fear inside viewers, dissipating any potential tension along with it. Connection between the issue of stalking and being held in this facility doesn’t seem to correlate well, therefore the point becomes muted.

After we receive information about the Ghost, stakes rise and the suspense builds up. The sole friend Sawyer has is tortured and killed. Climax set in the smallest and tightest room in the story is different and intense! When the main character finally manages to run away for her life, we thought the movie has ended with a strong finale. But it goes on for a few more minutes unnecessarily. It also doesn't make sense how the antagonist got out to the open before she did.

Many logical errors keep showing its warty heads. For examples, Sawyer could have easily explained herself better to the doctor assessing her instead of blabbering like an insane person. If the cops are being called so many times in a week from the same mental facility, don’t you think it is already extremely suspicious enough for actions to be taken? But with these being said, Claire Foy and Joshua Leonard performed excellently, plus Matt Damon's cameo is a great surprise!