UNSANE (2018)

Cinematography, Edited & Directed By: Steven Soderbergh 
Written By: James Greer & Jonathan Bernstein 
Cinematography By: Peter Andrews
Editor: Mary Ann Bernard 

Cast: Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Jay Pharoah, Amy Irving, Juno Temple, Sarah Stiles, Robert Kelly 


A young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she is confronted by her greatest fear--but is it real or a product of her delusion?

This is a film that seems to be more about the experimental side of filmmaking. Which can work when it’s a low budget film. As that might be part of the reason for making it that way, but here given a more mainstream treatment even as an Independent feature feels ill fitting though you can see the reason it was made this way. Even if the story feels rather basic and somewhat impossible.

Going In you already know that this is one of Director Steven Soderbergh’s more experimental films. So you know to expect that aspect a bit more. Though usually even when films have been like that they have sustain end some interest outside of that by offering something compelling in story or s least of interest. Here this plays more like his feature BUBBLE where experimentation is the only thing that holds the audiences interest.

The film could have left is wandering a bit longer though understand it would take more disbelief and confusion throughout and the film seems to be running out of ways to keep the audience wondering. So we can get to the heart of the story. While still having a corruption side story still mixed in with the main tale of a Maybe stalker. Letting the system make it easier for them. Though it kills some of the mystery revealing the answer or truth halfway through the film.

The film works perfectly for Directed Steven Soderbergh’s more clinical clean style of filmmaking and shots. The film was shot entirely on the iPhone 7 Plus in 4K using the app FiLMiC Pro. With a budget of 1.2 million and filmed within 10 days

As always this film also has the habit of Soderbergh kind of stunt casting or having a star he has worked with in the past make an appearance in a smaller role. That is more a character type roles the. The actors have usually taken in the past.

The film feels more theatrical like a play more than a film. As the film seems more dedicated to design and being technically innovative while grand in presentation rather then the flux of the story. Which seems more of a second thought here and not as much interest is paid to it.

One can see why it was filmed with iPhones. Low light as to make it seem more natural then theatrical and also provide an intimacy between the characters and with the audience and story with many close up’s.

Claire Foy in the lead is effective as she isn’t the most sympathetic character and even with this happening to her. There is still a dislikeability to the character. Which is one of the only freshest things this film has to offer. As especially in the second half there is a reason for her actions but they are not something we are used to seeing in more mainstream films.

This film is also an example of what some of us get stuck in. When it comes to a film’s soundtracks where sometimes the music you like in a music score only works within the confines of the film. Where it goes with the scene, mood or situation. As when you try to listen to it otherwise it sounds basic or not as special.

The ending provides a haunting feeling where the story and legacy is never ending. Never will forget and the villain essentially wins to a degree.

The film offers very few surprises that you can see coming. Luckily the film treats them pretty straight forward and not so shocking.


Grade: C