Mental hospitals usually make for run-of-the-mill thrillers, and Unsane is no exception. Its low budget, poor cinematography, overacting performances and general lack of suspense make it pretty bland.
Still, the trapping of Sawyer (Claire Foy) in an institution is disturbing enough to warrant a watch; her character is helpless enough to encourage a little empathy. If anything, it nails the indifference and pompousness of the medical industry, and mostly avoids relying on stereotypes on the subject matter, which is in itself commendable.
One scene in particular – hidden away at the 49 minute mark – is a remarkable sequence where Foy navigates a room facing simultaneously towards and away the camera in a drug-induced psychosis, while a loud sound collage plays. It’s surprisingly well done, and suggestive that there could have been more experimentation.
Rating: 4/10
Possession Media 