Familial Shadows Linger in the Unseen’s Halls

Read Time:3 Minute, 49 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Unseen
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Vincent Shade
Writer(s): Jennifer A. Goodman
Cast: RJ Mitte, Christian Stolte, William Mark McCullough, Jennifer A. Goodman, Rebekah Kennedy, Candice Rose
Where To Watch: available streaming on Amazon, Apple, and other VOD services

RAVING REVIEW: THE UNSEEN brings us into the cold, disciplined embrace of the Olson household, a place where strict patriarch Dan Olson, portrayed with grit by William Mark McCullough, lays a heavy legacy upon the shoulders of his young law graduate son, Tommy Olson (RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad.) Vincent Shade, the director of this cinematic ship, opens a narrative window into a world where eerie occurrences mesh with the mundane corridors of courtroom drama and family dynamics.

I think it's always important to point out that my 2.5/5 rating isn’t the negative that so many others traditionally are. I watch so many movies that I felt I had to spread my ratings out on a mathematical scale; the 2.5 falling in the middle is a film I wasn’t blown away by but didn’t dislike.

Although THE UNSEEN dips its narrative toes into the chilling waters of the horror-thriller genre, it sometimes slips on the icy path of storytelling; without a doubt, the film was meant to be a slow burn. The screenplay, curated by Jennifer A. Goodman, often finds itself adrift in the cold abyss of detachment, risking the peril of losing audience engagement before the narrative ship reaches its suspense-filled harbor.

If you’re willing to invest in the film, the payoff is excellent, and the indie feature focuses on explaining the horror aspects more than showing them. Instead of letting the dread simmer and stew in the audience's minds, THE UNSEEN serves explanations on a platter, leaving little room for imaginative fear to ferment. This narrative approach takes away some of the tension, creating more of a drama with a side of horror and pulling away from the anticipation of what's to come.

RJ Mitte, our young protagonist, makes a commendable effort to break free from a daunting familial shadow, a narrative arc many could resonate with. The tight leash on the film's story restricts him from exploring a more expansive emotional terrain. Opposite him, William McCullough's rigid patriarch lacks the depth of character, missing shades of complexity that could have added a nuance to the oppressive family ambiance. A fleeting sprinkle of light-hearted moments show promise but aren’t explored deeply enough.

As Tommy ventures into the professional world at a law firm, the plot thickens with a blend of supernatural elements. Entrusted with cold cases by his ambitious superior, Kristen Jude (Candice Rose), Tommy unearths a chilling connection to a tragic past. Visually, Vincent Shade creates a ghostly atmosphere with contrasting visuals throughout. The film's score, whispering forebodings, pairs well with the visuals. THE UNSEEN embarks on a venture to intertwine past enigmas with present sinister unfoldings but fumbles with discordant narrative choices.

THE UNSEEN unfurls a banner of immense narrative potential in the psychological thriller arena. A more incisive narrative dissection, refined suspense-crafting, and a gentler reveal of its dark secrets could have transitioned this film from a typical drama/horror tale into a more engaging thriller. If you’re in for the long ride, this is worth your time, as the ultimate payoff makes the film a complete picture.

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[photo courtesy of LAKEFRONT PICTURES]

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