Synopsis:
Rachel is running late to work when she has an altercation at a traffic light with a stranger whose life has left him feeling powerless and invisible. Soon, Rachel finds herself and everyone she loves the target of a man who decides to make one last mark upon the world by teaching her a series of deadly lessons.
Have you ever wondered what a dropout from the school of Arthur Fleck looked like? Well, Unhinged has just that someone and you may never honk your horn the same way again. We’re a country on edge and for multiple reasons. Whether it be because of politics, the rona, unemployment, or mixture of it all; the smallest things are causing minds imploded. Unhinged captures that animosity while also attempting to teach some lessons along the way as it is not simply a road rage film. While the social commentary isn’t that deep, a message is still there. Nevertheless, this thriller is full tilt from beginning to end with plenty of “oh, shit” moments.
If you love high-intensity car chases, ruthless violence, and villains that you almost sympathize with, then look no further. The suspenseful score paired with the ferocity and methodical savagery of Russell Crowe’s stranger is terrifying in a real way. Also, the fact that this storyline could actually happen makes it that much more terrifying. This is definitely what I call a “yell at the screen” movie because you’re along for the ride with the victim and you want her to survive but she never makes the right decision. Now, most of you know I’m all about the timing of certain movies and I’m not sure this release is aptly timed with everything going on. However, it can be viewed as a sort of cathartic release, like playing GTA and it does mirror some of our less than dignified actions. Also, it can show us how deranged we look when we let something so minuscule morph us into unscrupulous assholes. So the timing could be perfect depending on your perspective. Even with it being somewhat predictable and not overtly original, I enjoyed the thrill ride. Crowe is amazing and the action sequences are well done. Its rewatchabilty is high.
Plot & Pace
The story follows a newly single mother, Rachel who is struggling to balance motherly duties and entrepreneurship. On this day, she is running late which may result in her son getting detention and costs her a client. After being stuck in traffic, she has an uncomfortable interaction with a stranger that is also going through a tough time. In a situation that could’ve been diffused, it quickly escalates as Rachel is not willing to concede and apologize. She feels that she has nothing to apologize for and ensures the stranger that he is not the only one having a hard time. Feeling dismissed and disrespected, the stranger then ensures her that she will learn what a bad day really is. Now the cat and mouse game begins. With the story only slowing down in the first act to gives backstory, the movie moves a road raging pace.
Characters & Chemistry
Russell Crowe shows why he is touted as one of the best. The intensity and disdain in his eyes are haunting. His ruthlessness would rival that of any horror villain. I’m sorry, Russell I was entertained. Rachel (Caren Pistorius) is truly terrified but eventually transforms into the momma grizzly that will stop at nothing to protect her cub. That transformation was great as she is pushed to a point of kill or suffer. The cat and mouse chemistry was full of suspense, rage, and mercilessness. It was well done.
Unhinged releases in theaters on August 21st. It marks the first new studio film to open with a wide release since the rona shut everything down. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Derrick Borte
Writer: Carl Ellsworth
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 31m
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
