2023 Movie
Dir. Yoko Okumura · United States of America · English
A fun Cellular-like thriller, though as myopic as its lead
Like the action thriller Cellular (2004), Unseen plays with the idea of saving someone only through a phone. This time, however, Yoko Okumura’s directorial debut has video call instead of just audio, with video used to help nearly blind Emily run away from her kidnapper ex. Through split screen shots, occasional open hazy irises, and tiny phone screens, Unseen takes us on a desperate escape, an escape made possible by Emily’s connection with random stranger Sam. While some parts feel absolutely ridiculous, the thriller still feels like a wild ride, especially when focused on its two leads. It’s still enjoyable, if you can accept its silliness and the shallow way it approaches certain themes.
Sam receives a call from Emily, a near blind woman who is running from her murderous ex in the woods. Can she survive using Sam as her eyes via video call?
On the run from a psychotic ex, nearly blind Emily tries to call for help. She reaches gas station employee Sam, who must act as her eyes so that she can survive.
The thriller aspect of Unseen might divide some viewers, especially since Sam’s crazy customer feels scarier than Emily’s murderous ex. However, even if some moments feel contrived, the film still works primarily because of the dynamic between the two leads. Sam and Emily are pretty well-written characters. While the film relies heavily on dialogue, Unseen still is able to reveal information about their past in such an engaging way. Part of it is due to the performances. Jolene Purdy and Midori Francis have great chemistry, and the way they empathize with each other makes it easy for us to care about their characters, even without being in the same room.
Alright, gosh, I’ll schedule my LASIK appointment already, sheesh.
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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