Following a stalking support group meeting and psychiatric chit-chat, Sawyer (Claire Foy) finds herself (in)voluntary institutionalized. Stalker/soft spoken creep, David (Joshua Leonard) may or may not be an employee. Leonard’s performance is captivating, channeling Philip Seymour moments at his most unhinged. Chemistry between Sawyer, and group leader Nate (Jay Pharaoh), is considerable, but necessary as talent overall is uneven and distracting. Although I’m at loss regarding the direction, release, and overall reason for this, Unsane is effective frustration porn. Soderbergh, having used pseudonyms as DP and editor, should have considered leaving his distracting, directing surname off the credits as well. Ditch the shot-on-iPhone gimmick in lieu of a DSLR as well.
