Yoko Okumura's latest film, "The Unseen," hits theaters ahead of an MGM+ release in May, offering audiences a tense survival thriller with a futuristic twist. Starring Midori Francis as Emily and Jolene Purdy as Sam, the movie delves into a harrowing kidnapping scenario, where video calls become a lifeline for the characters. While the committed performances of the leads shine through, the film struggles to balance its provocative themes with an inconsistent and generic plot.
As Emily and Sam navigate the dangerous situation, they face off against their white American stalkers, Carol (Missi Pyle) and Charlie (Michael Patrick Lane), whose identities are entwined with entitlement and a chilling desire to harm them. Blumhouse Productions, renowned for its horror and thriller films, adds another entry that could be categorized under the subgenres of "the horror of whiteness" or "the horror of Karens and Connors." However, the film's absurdity sometimes overshadows its attempts to shed light on societal issues, making it a painful watch.
The futuristic element of video calls as a saving grace adds intrigue, but the film ultimately falls into using scattershot hot-button issues instead of fully developed characters. The survival thriller aspect lacks thrills, insight, or humor, leaving the audience longing for a more engaging experience. The movie's attempts to incorporate Americanisms, such as "rednecks" and malfunctioning slushie machines, feel superficial and don't add depth to the narrative.
Amidst the chaotic plot, "The Unseen" subtly highlights the unreliability of American police in saving non-white citizens and their quickness to arrest individuals in the name of protecting a white complainant. It explores the burden placed on Asian communities to uphold a basic moral code in contrast to the aloofness displayed by white Americans.
Unfortunately, the film's exploration of these themes lacks the nuance and complexity that audiences truly desire. Instead, it teeters on the brink of promoting a reality that is not only uncomfortable but also unrealistic. Blumhouse plays with these ideas, but they do not culminate in a meaningful or satisfying manner.
"The Unseen" portrays the relentless dominance of whiteness, indifferent to a person's success or socioeconomic background. It underscores the importance of having a lifeline, such as a phone with video calling capabilities, when facing such a hostile environment.
In conclusion, "The Unseen" brings a unique concept to the thriller genre but struggles to strike a cohesive balance between its thought-provoking themes and its survival-driven plot. While the performances are commendable, the film's lack of depth and clarity leaves it falling short of delivering a satisfying and impactful cinematic experience.
The Unseen (2023) - info
- Release date: March 7, 2023
- Genre: Thriller, Horror
- Director: Yoko Okumura
- Writer: Jennifer A. Goodman
- Stars: RJ Mitte, Christian Stolte, William Mark McCullough