Unsane (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Unsane (2018), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, is a psychological thriller that dives into the terrifying world of mental illness, stalking, and institutional abuse. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this experimental film delivers an unnerving, claustrophobic atmosphere that amplifies the intensity of its disturbing narrative. Starring Claire Foy in a career-defining performance, Unsane explores themes of paranoia, trauma, and identity in a way that keeps audiences on edge from beginning to end.
In this review, we will break down the strengths and weaknesses of the film, discuss its unique filmmaking approach, and provide a detailed guide on where to stream or rent Unsane online in the U.S.
Overview of Unsane (2018)
Unsane centers around Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy), a woman who relocates to a new city to escape the traumatic experience of being stalked by a man named David Strine (Joshua Leonard). Still haunted by the fear that David is following her, Sawyer seeks counseling at a mental health facility. However, things take a dark turn when she is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution. While trapped inside, Sawyer believes that her stalker has followed her to the hospital and is working there under a new identity.
The film is a nerve-wracking journey into a world where reality and delusion blur. Is Sawyer’s paranoia justified, or is her mind playing tricks on her? Unsane leaves the audience constantly questioning what is real and what is imagined, making it a tense and engaging psychological thriller.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with Sawyer, a young professional trying to move forward with her life after a traumatic experience with a stalker. In her attempt to seek therapy, Sawyer finds herself tricked into signing forms that result in her involuntary admission to a psychiatric ward. At first, she is told that she will be held for a 24-hour observation, but the situation quickly spirals out of control as she discovers that the institution’s procedures are more focused on profit than on patient care.
As she adjusts to her grim new reality, Sawyer becomes convinced that one of the hospital’s workers is actually her stalker, David Strine. She tries to convince the staff and fellow patients that she’s being targeted, but her increasingly erratic behavior makes it difficult for anyone to believe her. The film expertly builds tension as it explores whether Sawyer’s fears are the result of her past trauma or if she is indeed being manipulated by a dangerous predator.
The final act of the film delivers a shocking conclusion that brings the psychological tension to a thrilling climax.
What Makes Unsane Stand Out
1. Claire Foy’s Riveting Performance
Claire Foy, best known for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, delivers a raw and emotionally charged performance in Unsane. Her portrayal of Sawyer Valentini captures the character’s vulnerability, fear, and frustration, grounding the film in her complex psychological journey. Foy skillfully navigates between moments of strength and fragility, making Sawyer a relatable and empathetic protagonist despite her increasingly frantic behavior.
Foy’s performance is the heart of the film, and she excels in conveying the paranoia and helplessness of a woman trapped in a terrifying situation where no one believes her.
2. Soderbergh’s iPhone Cinematography
Steven Soderbergh’s decision to shoot Unsane entirely on an iPhone was both a creative and technical experiment that paid off. The choice adds a layer of intimacy and immediacy to the film’s visuals. The handheld, lo-fi cinematography makes the audience feel trapped alongside Sawyer, amplifying the tension and claustrophobia she experiences inside the mental institution.
The film’s gritty, almost voyeuristic style enhances the sense of unease, and the unconventional approach to cinematography gives Unsane a distinctive look. The iPhone’s limited depth of field and wide-angle shots lend the film an unsettling, disorienting quality that perfectly matches its psychological themes.
3. Exploration of Paranoia and Mental Health
At its core, Unsane is a film about fear—specifically, the fear of not being believed. Sawyer’s journey raises unsettling questions about mental health care, institutional corruption, and the fine line between reality and perception. The film plays with the viewer’s sense of what is real and what is imagined, constantly shifting the narrative in ways that leave the audience questioning Sawyer’s reliability.
Unsane highlights the gaslighting effect that women often face when their concerns about safety are dismissed or minimized, making it a relevant and timely exploration of trauma, stalking, and the system’s failure to protect victims.
4. A Tense, Unpredictable Narrative
One of the strongest aspects of Unsane is its ability to maintain suspense throughout the film. The script, co-written by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer, is tightly constructed, keeping the audience on edge as the plot twists and turns. The film’s pacing never falters, with each scene adding to the tension and uncertainty.
Soderbergh carefully builds a psychological puzzle that keeps viewers guessing, only revealing the truth in small, chilling increments. The sense of dread is palpable, and as the story unravels, the film delivers shocking and disturbing moments that culminate in a satisfying, if unsettling, conclusion.
Criticism and Reception
Despite its strengths, Unsane is not without its flaws. Some critics found the iPhone cinematography to be distracting, with the film’s visuals feeling too rough or amateurish at times. Others pointed out that certain elements of the plot, especially in the third act, stretched believability.
That said, the majority of reviews praised Soderbergh’s bold experiment and Claire Foy’s powerful performance. Unsane received generally positive reception from critics, with many applauding its originality and its ability to generate psychological tension on a minimal budget.
Where to Watch Unsane Online
If you’re looking to stream Unsane in the U.S., there are several streaming and rental platforms where you can watch the film.
1. Streaming Platforms
- Hulu: Unsane is available to stream on Hulu, a popular subscription-based platform that offers a wide range of TV shows and movies. If you already have a Hulu subscription, this is an excellent option for watching the film.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie is also available on Amazon Prime Video for streaming. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can watch Unsane as part of the Prime library.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the film, here are some platforms where you can do so in HD:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy Unsane on Amazon Prime Video. Renting the film typically provides a 48-hour viewing window, while purchasing gives you permanent access to stream or download the movie.
- Apple TV: Apple TV offers Unsane for rent or purchase, allowing you to watch the film in HD on all Apple devices or through the Apple TV app.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase, Google Play allows you to watch Unsane on various devices, including Android phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or buy Unsane through YouTube Movies, making it a convenient option for those who prefer using the YouTube platform.
3. DVD and Blu-ray
If you prefer owning a physical copy, Unsane is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, which might include bonus features such as director commentary or behind-the-scenes footage. Owning the film on disc ensures you can watch it anytime without relying on streaming services.
Final Thoughts: A Chilling, Claustrophobic Thriller
Unsane is a bold and unnerving psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. Steven Soderbergh’s use of iPhone cinematography gives the film a unique visual style, and Claire Foy’s intense performance anchors the story, making it a tense and gripping watch from start to finish. While the film’s unconventional style might not appeal to everyone, it’s a fascinating experiment in low-budget filmmaking that delivers plenty of suspense and thought-provoking commentary on mental health and institutional abuse.
Whether you’re streaming it on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, or renting it on Apple TV or Google Play, Unsane is a film that will leave you questioning the nature of reality long after the credits roll.
