Unsane

Unsane is a psychological horror movie that was released in 2018. The film is directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. The cast of the movie includes Claire Foy as the main character, Joshua Leonard, and Jay Pharoah.

Claire Foy plays the character of Sawyer Valentini, who has recently moved to a new city to escape from her stalker, David Strine (Joshua Leonard). She visits a mental health center to express her feelings to the therapist, but when she signs some papers, she is unwittingly committed to the center. She is now stuck in a psychiatric ward, and her only hope is to convince the staff that she is not insane, but only there by mistake.

The movie is shot entirely on an iPhone camera, giving it an intimate and raw feeling. The camera work also engenders a sense of confinement and claustrophobia, capturing the sense of being trapped in the mental institution, and the limitations of Sawyer's prison. This shooting technique adds a level of realistic and gritty texture to the film, heightening the suspense and tension in every scene.

The narrative of the story explores several themes, such as the struggle of individuals with mental illness, the flaws in the American healthcare system, and the importance of support for those who are struggling with their mental health.

The character Sawyer Valentini is a strong-willed and independent woman who is unjustly placed in the psychiatric ward. Her frustrations, fears and desperation are effectively portrayed by Claire Foy, who delivers an intense performance. Foy gives Sawyer an edge of paranoia that is both unsettling and captivating. The viewer is unsure whether Sawyer is sane or not, making the audience invested in her plight.

Joshua Leonard, as the stalker David Strine, is the perfect antagonist for this movie. He is creepy and obsessive about Sawyer, never letting her off of his radar. He is a master of manipulation, and his presence throughout the movie is sinister and compelling. Leonard breathes life into the character, making us believe in his warped reality.

Jay Pharoah plays the character Nate Hoffman, another patient in the institution. He befriends Sawyer and helps her unravel the mystery of the center and its dubious inner workings. His sense of humor and grounded nature provides a sense of calming normalcy for Sawyer amidst the chaos of her surroundings.

The film is well-paced and builds tension throughout. The viewer is constantly wondering what will happen next and who can be trusted. It is a haunting portrayal of the blurred lines between sanity and insanity, and how easily one can be labeled as the latter. The themes of the movie are particularly relevant now as mental health awareness is increasing in society. It highlights the importance of honest communication and getting help for those who need it.

The cinematography is excellent and the soundtrack complements the atmosphere. It is a dark and brooding composition that effectively sets the tone for the film. There are several jump scares, making the audience's heart race, without relying on cliches. The movie not only scares the viewer but also makes them think.

Overall, Unsane is a compelling and thought-provoking film that successfully tackles important themes. Its raw and realistic feel, thanks to the iPhone-camera technology, adds a frightening sense of immediacy. It is a great example of a psychological thriller, making you question your own sense of reality while on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of horror movies, then Unsane is definitely worth checking out.