The Unseen (2017)
Gemma and Will are shattered when their son dies in an accident. Gemma blames herself and starts to have panic attacks that affect her eyesight - and the audience's point of view. Will, tormented, believes he is hearing his son's voice calling out to him. To escape their grief, Gemma suggests they take up Paul's offer to stay at his Lake District country getaway. Gemma's, helped by ex-pharmacist Paul, tries to stop her panic attacks with medication. Will, unable to hear to his son in his bedroom back home, antagonizes Paul and suddenly goes home. Gemma is now reliant on Paul who appears to be developing genuine feelings for her welfare. Love, grief, and the frailty of the human condition are all brought to the fore as Gemma Will and Paul are caught up in a descent into violence, both psychological and ultimately physical.
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Sick Product of a Sick System
SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
A large part of the negative criticism targeted at 'The Unseen' seems to stem from a problem of perceived expectations. While the poster might make one expect a 'Sixth Sense'-esque ghost story, this is not the case, the director is more interested in exploring the central drama/theme of the grief that stems from the loss of a loved one. However, he incorporates elements of horror, the supernatural and thriller. To properly enjoy the film, one must not expect some lavish thrill ride of endless shocks and gore but rather let the film chill you with its psychological moments and creepy chills.The film is a character-piece that brings to mind Terence Young's 'Wait Until Dark' (1967) starring Audrey Hepburn which explored a similar story of claustrophobia, blindness and isolation. Part of the film's horror does not stem from the supernatural but rather from the psychological implications of its central plot: a woman who, at certain moments, becomes temporarily blind after the death of her child. The death itself is tragic and the blindness is a terrifying conceit. This is due to the fact that we don't know when this blindness can manifest itself which leads to some pretty tense moments (e.g one moment where the main character 'Gemma' is driving on the motorway and the blindness strikes her). The idea of losing control over one's body and perception taps into a psychological horror that is more unsettling and disturbing than any movie monster.Furthermore, the film maintains a tone of unease and discomfort that is consistent and reflects Gemma's own fragile mind-set. The Unseen shocks in the way that one might feel when the lights are turned off and it's pitch black. The film delivers on emotional drama, tapping into feelings of depression and the hollow sadness that the characters feel in the aftermath of their grief. It is compelling stuff but enjoy it for what it is not what it appears to be.
First...most of these other "great" reviews are from people who "happened" to join IMDB 3 weeks ago...and this is the only movie they have reviewed...you can figure that one out...I can say that didn't just join because out of all the movies they have seen, they had to leave a review on this one...check out the profiles of the other reviewers to see what I mean, there are a few legit ones.52 minutes in and this is soooo boring....so far it's about a couple dealing with a tragedy and how they cope with it...it is NOT scary...it is NOT riveting...I'm out...not worth watching because I was looking for a good thriller and this is faaaaaaaar from that. Maybe another time when I was looking for something slow...today is not that day. Drama...not horror, not riveting...bleh....
Gemma Shields (Jasmine Hyde) has a perfect privileged life with her husband Will (Richard Flood). When their son Joel drowns in their indoor pool, their life is turned upside down. Gemma has panic attacks which causes blindness, making driving a challenge. The couple both hear the child from time to time. They decide to get away from it all and go to a home being restored by Paul (Simon Cotton) a seemingly well adjusted person. They develop more problems. Gemma is an atheist while Will is not, which didn't weigh too heavily into the story. I thought the film was going to a psychological thriller/horror, but turned out to be a mediocre drama with the characters lacking credibility. I would say if you haven't seen the classic "Don't Look Now" it is time to watch it instead. Guide: F-word, sex, nudity (Jasmine Hyde)
I heard about this film during the buzz at Berlinale 2018 & the film is now called 'SCARED BLIND'. The film is an intelligent and riveting psychological horror that captures the emotional heartbreak of grief and loss, pulling at any parent's heartstrings. The director - Gary Sinyor - has successfully created a unique cinematic approach by using distorted and blurry visuals to the blindness, turning the audience blind as well. Riveting, emotional, thriller and a bit scary. A must-watch film!