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Unsane (2018)

2018 • 1h 38m • Horror, Thriller • R
On September 24, 2026
#58761▼ 8
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All reviews

John Chard on Unsane

6/10 · Mar 27, 2019

I wasn’t aware that this was filmed using an iPhone 7 or directed by Steven Soderbergh. I was simply looking for something to watch on cable the other night, and the story sounded interesting, so without any high hopes of a truly frightening horror film, I decided to see what would happen. The plot centers around Claire Foy as Sawyer Valentini, who unintentionally finds herself committed to a mental health facility. Once she’s inside, things begin to fall apart, and the possibility of her former stalker being nearby sparks fear—but is any of it genuine? Initially, it's worth noting that those involved in mental healthcare probably weren’t thrilled with this film; much of what we see onscreen is quite absurd and portrays the system in a negative light. You really have to suspend your disbelief while watching, because it’s clearly intended for dramatic entertainment rather than as an accurate depiction of reality. As a thriller, it held my attention, thanks to the ongoing uncertainty about what's real and what isn't, which creates a slow-building tension. Whether it’s genuine or not, it raises enough questions to keep you engaged until the credits roll. The psychological aspects are strong enough to suggest some intelligence in the writing, although this is undermined by complete absurdity as events escalate into the realm of impossibility during the last third of the movie. Claire Foy delivers a solid performance and carries the entire story; Nate Hoffman also does good work, and it’s pleasant to see Juno Temple in an intriguing role. Ultimately, this isn't a horror film full of gore, nor is it comparable to classics like *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* or *Girl Interrupted*. The decision to use an iPhone as the camera feels like a stunt, but it works within the limited setting of the story. However, as a lasting piece of filmmaking, it’s unlikely to have much staying power. Even though I enjoyed watching it once, I completely understand why opinions on this film are so varied. So if you haven't seen it yet, be aware that this isn't a consistently thrilling experience. It’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend, and the online ratings of around 6.5/10 seem about right. 6.5/10

Source on TMDB