Sandra Bullock has incredible acting chops. She really knows how to draw out emotions from the viewer with her subtle facial nuisances and body language. She just doesn't read out lines from the script; She breaths life into them. She gives her characters dimension. Even though this is a television movie, this is one of her best acting roles. I lovely story of sacrifice and focusing on what is important to family. She is a strong person who stands tall despite condemnation from society's judgement.
944 Reviews
Emotional
Calicodreamin15 December 2021
Emotional entertaining crime/drama.
deloudelouvain1 January 2022
What annoys me the most on IMDb are the reviewers that rate movies the lowest possible. I get it that every now and then you stumble on a real stinker, I sure did, but to rate this one the lowest possible is just ridiculous. So that means this was the worst movie they watched in their life? Really? I guess those people must not watch a lot of movies then. Personally I watch on average two movies a day so without bragging I can say I watched thousands of movies in my life. The Unforgivable is certainly ranked in the better thousands, without question. Maybe the story unfolds a bit slow, and in my case was a bit predictable, but it still remains a good entertaining movie, with good actors, and a more than decent cinematography. The story is emotional, a good drama, with some crime elements that made it more than enjoyable to watch. It's certainly not a ten star movie but rating it the lowest is just too ridiculous for words. Those people should be banned from IMDb.
Why the negative reviews? Just enjoy this rollercoaster.
frank-liesenborgs10 December 2021
"The Unforgivable" is a story about moving forward, about learning to reassess judgments and misjudgements. Script and story are a remake of acclaimed three-part British miniseries "Unforgiving" from 2009. Produced by Sandra Bullock and music by Hans Zimmer. A cast to say WOW and a story that might be a remake but will never be boring. With fantastic acting from Vincent D'Onofrio (John Ingram), Rob Morgan (Vincent Cross), Sandra Bullock (Ruth), Viola Davis (Liz) and the always good Jon Bernthal (Blake). Jon Bernthal should have had more screen time but with a cast like this it would be difficult. The movie starts slow to have a very strong finish. The 112 minutes movie will be over before you know. And you will have loved everything, from the acting, the score / music by Hans Zimmer, the cinematography and the fact that you are watching a movie. A must see!
Bullock is great in a film that needs to be watched more than once
jtindahouse17 December 2021
'The Unforgivable' is a film that almost demands to be watched twice. When you watch it the first time through you can't help but see it in a certain light. But then a piece of information is revealed late in the piece that changes everything. When a film has a plot twist like this it can either help to improve or hurt the film. In this case it improved it immensely. It made an already strong film endlessly stronger. I really enjoyed this one.
Sandra Bullock in the lead role is incredible. She is a broken human being and I believed it from start to finish. Her support cast is also very strong. Much like in 'Doubt' Viola Davis is able to do so much with so little screen time. She's the one who can go toe to toe with Bullock's performance and when they are both on screen it is something special to behold.
Be warned, this is a pretty sombre watch. I don't think there was a single laugh attempted in the film. It's an emotional ride and one that will likely leave you thankful for the life you live. I highly recommend this one. 9/10.
Sandra Bullock in the lead role is incredible. She is a broken human being and I believed it from start to finish. Her support cast is also very strong. Much like in 'Doubt' Viola Davis is able to do so much with so little screen time. She's the one who can go toe to toe with Bullock's performance and when they are both on screen it is something special to behold.
Be warned, this is a pretty sombre watch. I don't think there was a single laugh attempted in the film. It's an emotional ride and one that will likely leave you thankful for the life you live. I highly recommend this one. 9/10.
Difficult to understand reviews and critics
mertafor10 December 2021
This is a pretty good drama. I wouldn't say it's great, I think a bit above the average even though there are some wasted opportunities and potential.
In fact I had no intentions to write a review. But I'm really tired of all those 10/10 and 1/10 reviews. I just want to let people who haven't watched it yet know that this is neither a garbage nor masterpiece. It's a fine drama worth a watch once. However, there is one thing I could agree that it's a forgettable one.
In fact I had no intentions to write a review. But I'm really tired of all those 10/10 and 1/10 reviews. I just want to let people who haven't watched it yet know that this is neither a garbage nor masterpiece. It's a fine drama worth a watch once. However, there is one thing I could agree that it's a forgettable one.
Don't believe the bad reviews. Very powerful movie.
ACA1310 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I strongly recommend, it is slow burning and Sandra Bullock as always plays beautifully.
It feels very real and I liked the way they made Bullock unlikable and violent when in reality she sacrificed herself to protect her sister.
I didn't guess, usually I do, so that was a bonus for me.
It feels very real and I liked the way they made Bullock unlikable and violent when in reality she sacrificed herself to protect her sister.
I didn't guess, usually I do, so that was a bonus for me.
Give me more of these performances, please!
Lewis_Heather78718 December 2021
The trailer had me sold! So went in with some expectations, hoping for yet another decent to very good film from Netflix. Did this film live up to the expectations I had and what the trailer had shown? Yes 100% and actually was a bit better than I thought it would be, mainly due to one of the best performances of the year!
Sandra Bullock, why don't you pick roles or films like this more often? I've always thought that she was a talented actress that sadly appears in a lot of mediocre to bad films. Serious dramas don't come along as regularly as they did in say the 1990's for her. I'm gonna say it..........she probably deserves an Oscar nomination for this, not necessarily a win but totally deserves the nom at the least. It's not just the cosmetic transformation into the character of Ruth but she totally embodies the characters soul just in her facially expressions alone. The pain, sorrow, helplessness and trauma are so clear to see in someone trying to do the right thing after so long. It's 100% not a performance that is trying to be "out there" or "oh look she is going method on this one" none of that at all. Its an honest depiction of a character that wants to make up for the wrongs in her life and try and start fresh. I couldn't think of anybody else who could play this role now, Bullock has completely blow my expectations out of the water with this one......congrats to her!!!
The other thing I'd mention is the "twists" in this film are actually worth it, rewarding and work within the context of the story and characters. Sometimes films like this go for a bold twist at some stage and don't always pull it off, thankfully this film does it well !!!
That ending is so extremely emotionally powerful and is made possible due to Bullocks performance!!!
70% out of 100, it is yet another good film by Netflix! To be honest these days I feel very comfortable with the product that they are producing......I think their teething problems into being a "major" studio are eroding away now. Sandra Bullock is simply fantastic in one of the best performances of the year and that is enough of a reason to watch it. Oh yeah and plus the story is interesting, characters are good, acting and directing across the board is fine........lastly an ending that actually is rewarding and works!
Sandra Bullock, why don't you pick roles or films like this more often? I've always thought that she was a talented actress that sadly appears in a lot of mediocre to bad films. Serious dramas don't come along as regularly as they did in say the 1990's for her. I'm gonna say it..........she probably deserves an Oscar nomination for this, not necessarily a win but totally deserves the nom at the least. It's not just the cosmetic transformation into the character of Ruth but she totally embodies the characters soul just in her facially expressions alone. The pain, sorrow, helplessness and trauma are so clear to see in someone trying to do the right thing after so long. It's 100% not a performance that is trying to be "out there" or "oh look she is going method on this one" none of that at all. Its an honest depiction of a character that wants to make up for the wrongs in her life and try and start fresh. I couldn't think of anybody else who could play this role now, Bullock has completely blow my expectations out of the water with this one......congrats to her!!!
The other thing I'd mention is the "twists" in this film are actually worth it, rewarding and work within the context of the story and characters. Sometimes films like this go for a bold twist at some stage and don't always pull it off, thankfully this film does it well !!!
That ending is so extremely emotionally powerful and is made possible due to Bullocks performance!!!
70% out of 100, it is yet another good film by Netflix! To be honest these days I feel very comfortable with the product that they are producing......I think their teething problems into being a "major" studio are eroding away now. Sandra Bullock is simply fantastic in one of the best performances of the year and that is enough of a reason to watch it. Oh yeah and plus the story is interesting, characters are good, acting and directing across the board is fine........lastly an ending that actually is rewarding and works!
CHEER! - (8 stars out of 10)
BJG-Reviews14 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The stage curtains open ...
It wasn't until I had finished watching this movie that in the end credits I saw that it was based on the British miniseries, "Unforgiven". I'd never heard of it before, so I went into this one completely blind with no knowledge of anything other than the fact that Sandra Bullock plays a convict who completed a 20-year stretch for murder and is trying to put her life back together after she is released. I knew it would be somewhat hard hitting and emotional.
Sandra Bullock is Ruth Slater, arrested for the murder of a police officer when they were trying to evict her and her sister from their farm after their father had died. Her sister was only 5 years old at the time, and through the years had little to no memory of the incident, while Ruth lived half of her life behind bars with nightmares and flashbacks to see her through. Once released from prison, she finds employment and tries to locate her sister, just to make sure that she is okay. Old wounds are opened and emotions run high in this poignant story.
I enjoyed this movie very much. We are clued in to what happened through a series of flashbacks and memories, and by movie's end, it will break your heart to one degree or another. It is a sad story. Sandra Bullock wears pretty much the same facial expression thoughout the entire move showing only a very brief smile before reality comes crashing back down again. She put in a strong performance bolstered by fine supporting performances as well.
I highly recommend this film at a solid 8 stars out of 10. It piqued my interest in the miniseries, and I may take the time to look it up, because I felt the story was relevant and served as a warning that we should never assume what is the truth and what is not, because an innocent could be hurt. I would certainly watch this one again, and hope to do so sometime again down the road.
It wasn't until I had finished watching this movie that in the end credits I saw that it was based on the British miniseries, "Unforgiven". I'd never heard of it before, so I went into this one completely blind with no knowledge of anything other than the fact that Sandra Bullock plays a convict who completed a 20-year stretch for murder and is trying to put her life back together after she is released. I knew it would be somewhat hard hitting and emotional.
Sandra Bullock is Ruth Slater, arrested for the murder of a police officer when they were trying to evict her and her sister from their farm after their father had died. Her sister was only 5 years old at the time, and through the years had little to no memory of the incident, while Ruth lived half of her life behind bars with nightmares and flashbacks to see her through. Once released from prison, she finds employment and tries to locate her sister, just to make sure that she is okay. Old wounds are opened and emotions run high in this poignant story.
I enjoyed this movie very much. We are clued in to what happened through a series of flashbacks and memories, and by movie's end, it will break your heart to one degree or another. It is a sad story. Sandra Bullock wears pretty much the same facial expression thoughout the entire move showing only a very brief smile before reality comes crashing back down again. She put in a strong performance bolstered by fine supporting performances as well.
I highly recommend this film at a solid 8 stars out of 10. It piqued my interest in the miniseries, and I may take the time to look it up, because I felt the story was relevant and served as a warning that we should never assume what is the truth and what is not, because an innocent could be hurt. I would certainly watch this one again, and hope to do so sometime again down the road.
Why is this so familiar?
nancyldraper28 December 2021
When this film dropped on Netflix, I was puzzled. It sounded so familiar, yet, I was sure I hadn't seen it. I puzzled over this for a couple of weeks and then began cycling through the reviews I'd posted. Then I saw it, this was originally a three part British television series, THE UNFORGIVEN, which I had given a 9 (superb) out of 10, written by the great Sally Wainwright and starring the brilliant Suranne Jones. Then I hesitated, as a fan of Sandra Bullock (by the way, kudos to her for getting the American rights to this story), I was intrigued, but I knew the ending, was it worthy of this new look? Could it possibly live up to the original? So, with that in mind, I think you might understand my verdict. If you haven't seen the British original, watch this. It is a fascinating concept and Bullock loaded it with A list actors. Of course, her own talent was in full display, here. If you do know the original, move on, there is nothing to see here that wouldn't suffer by comparison. I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. {Drama}
Everyone can forgive Sandra Bullock, yes?
kosmasp29 December 2021
But that is not the question here is it? Because we are talking about a character ... also it is way more complex than that. Sometimes things are being done, that cannot be undone - and even when we think we know what went down, because we heard and kind of saw it ... there is more to the story. Not that it a big difference when it comes to guilt or who is responsible maybe ... but deeper cuts and all that.
Psychologically speaking, there is much to uncover here. And Sandra really is wonderful in that quite vulnerable role. Not sure if guns are a thing where you live, but there are arguments to be made here ... I know which ones I would make, but let's leave that aside for now.
Wonderful supporting cast and a touching story. I may have given it a star more than it would "normally" deserve, but that is me being me ... can't help myself ... or is it Sandra who can't help herself? Maybe she can help someone else though ...
Psychologically speaking, there is much to uncover here. And Sandra really is wonderful in that quite vulnerable role. Not sure if guns are a thing where you live, but there are arguments to be made here ... I know which ones I would make, but let's leave that aside for now.
Wonderful supporting cast and a touching story. I may have given it a star more than it would "normally" deserve, but that is me being me ... can't help myself ... or is it Sandra who can't help herself? Maybe she can help someone else though ...
Why the hate?
antide-4237610 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This has by and large been dismissed by many critics and more and more I am beginning to realise that they genuinely have no clue what they are talking about. Currently 'The Unforgivable' has a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes while the truly dire 'Us' is rated at 93%. This highlights how ridiculous the critics are.
'The Unforgivable is a good movie with Sandra Bullock convincing as the woman who murdered a cop. The always solid Viola Davis is sadly underused but she still has impact. There isn't a dud performance on show and it was good to see Richard Thomas again. OK, I won't lie. I guessed the twist within 10 minutes or so but that did not spoil my enjoyment. The film clocks in at almost 2 hours and never overstays it's welcome. This is decent.
'The Unforgivable is a good movie with Sandra Bullock convincing as the woman who murdered a cop. The always solid Viola Davis is sadly underused but she still has impact. There isn't a dud performance on show and it was good to see Richard Thomas again. OK, I won't lie. I guessed the twist within 10 minutes or so but that did not spoil my enjoyment. The film clocks in at almost 2 hours and never overstays it's welcome. This is decent.
Major plot hole
peribonio-3386416 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In what world will somebody have to take the blame for a murder committed by a 5 year old, it doesn't make any sense. The police didn't run any test on who fired the shotgun. It would have been an accident. They can't send a child to jail.
Not as bad as people are saying
carlgarethnorton10 December 2021
It wasn't groundbreaking but it was a solid drama, I think the last quater was a little daft but overall I thought it was decent
People are complaining about how are they supposed to feel empathy? You don't always have to. You can dislike the main leads character, although as the story goes on, you do realise the incident was more complex. Some of thr reviews feel lole they didn't watch it all. If you like slow burn dramas, I'd definitely give it a watch.
People are complaining about how are they supposed to feel empathy? You don't always have to. You can dislike the main leads character, although as the story goes on, you do realise the incident was more complex. Some of thr reviews feel lole they didn't watch it all. If you like slow burn dramas, I'd definitely give it a watch.
This is the kind of movies that matters!
Likeafrisbee10 December 2021
great work by Bullock
iamjamalwhite16 December 2021
She does a great job looking like a tough criminal, reminds me of Monster with Therron. Believable in the part. The great reveal and twist leave you stunned. The whole thing is well done. The dude in a wig at the half-way house was unnecessary work moment that distracted from the whole movie. The end will leave you in tears. This is not for the kids. Some language and situations that are rough. Overall a great ride.
Unforgettable
jaimemedina-3628811 December 2021
From the moment Bullock appears on the screen, her story is written all over her face. She is stripped down to raw emotion and credit must be given for her performance. Add to the cast the ever brilliant Viola Davis, D'Onofrio, Bernthal, and you've got the recipe for an engaging drama.
Good story and acting
8512222 January 2022
Greetings from Lithuania.
I liked "The Unforgivable" (2021) for its good story and good acting. It was a bit predictable yes, and a bit manipulative story, but at the end of the day this was a good movie.
Sandra Bullock was very good in this film. I quickly believed to her character and started rooting for her. And like i said the story turned out to be not as original as maybe it was intended - at least for me personally, i did enjoy this movie.
Overall, at running time almost 2 hours "The Unforgivable" was superbly paced - i wasn't bored for moment and good story, solid directing, writing, and very good acting by its lead kept me invested in this film till the very end.
I liked "The Unforgivable" (2021) for its good story and good acting. It was a bit predictable yes, and a bit manipulative story, but at the end of the day this was a good movie.
Sandra Bullock was very good in this film. I quickly believed to her character and started rooting for her. And like i said the story turned out to be not as original as maybe it was intended - at least for me personally, i did enjoy this movie.
Overall, at running time almost 2 hours "The Unforgivable" was superbly paced - i wasn't bored for moment and good story, solid directing, writing, and very good acting by its lead kept me invested in this film till the very end.
Wow !! What a film
Vindelander11 December 2021
My film of the year 2021. Superb everything and I agree with other reviewers who say that Sandra Bullock should get an Oscar for this.
A very emotional experience with outstanding story, script and direction. I'll definitely watch it a few times.
A very emotional experience with outstanding story, script and direction. I'll definitely watch it a few times.
Really great story
Luigi Di Pilla18 December 2021
Don't pay attention to all these negative reviews here.
The director and the cast did a very great job, Sandra Bullock played a perfectly Oscar worthy role. The story is developed with suspense, dramatic and intelligent sequences and it was a non stop hell ride. Check it out. 7/10.
The director and the cast did a very great job, Sandra Bullock played a perfectly Oscar worthy role. The story is developed with suspense, dramatic and intelligent sequences and it was a non stop hell ride. Check it out. 7/10.
Dark, Gritty, Good
Tweetienator21 December 2021
A harsh and gritty drama with a Sandra Bullock shining one more time. The Unforgivable is for sure a nice surprise in that endless stream of rather bad to average movie (and show) productions Netflix usually feeds to us. Emotional, some fine performances and some nice twist. Good.
Flawed but for a Netflix movie it's actually not bad
Just-A-Girl-1411 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a grim story about a woman who spent 20 years in prison for killing a cop and when released is looking for her sister who she last had contact with before her arrest when her sister was just 5 years old.
The story is interesting (although very predictable), the acting is good and for a Netflix movie it's actually not that bad! Considering that Netflix produces so much garbage, this is actually a big improvement imho.
The story itself is a bit flawed (careful - spoilers alert) because if you think about it, there was no need for her to take the blame. Nobody is going to put a 5 year old in jail for doing something she hardly even understands. Also, taking the blame means leaving her sister on her own because she was her only family. In this case she ended up in a good loving home but there are too many kids who go into the system and have a completely different story. If she told the truth she could have cared for her sister for all those years or at least stay in contact with her. Throwing her into the system because you feel guilty or whatever is in no way in her best interest (or yours). Also, I'm not a gun expert but I'm not sure if a five year old can actually do it. It could be a coincidence but technically speaking, I'm not sure that a 5 y/o can hold a shotgun, aim and kill (not wound) a sheriff. Maybe it's possible but it seems unlikely. A 5 year old in that situation will likely sit on the floor and cry or maybe hide a closet. How did she even know how to use a gun?
Now, my biggest problem with this movie is not actually with these flaws but with the ending. I didn't like it. That's the ending we get after everything? A hug? Really? I think too much time was spent on watching Sandra Bullock working and trying to survive. The sister could only hug her after she realized who she was and what she did for her (raising her, taking the blame for her and saving her sister). I find it hard to believe that it was all revealed right there in the scene while they were standing next to the ambulance. I think the story should have focused more on the sister, her trauma and memories. The parents should have learned the truth and explain it all to their daughter or she could have heard it directly from her sister but not like that. I mean, it's hard to imagine what happened there. The parents got a phone call run to the scene (with Katie) and then the kidnapped daughter just told them everything? When was the truth about the sheriff's death revealed? How is Katie at age 25 supposed to deal with the fact that she killed a man? That her sister was in jail for 20 years? That her parents lied to her? That her younger sister was kidnapped and almost killed for something she did? I just don't see how such a complicated story could have been unraveled in just a few minutes right there in the scene of the crime. And if she didn't learn the whole truth (and doesn't even remember her sister) then the hug is meaningless. It felt rushed, it didn't make much sense and to me it was a very unsatisfactory ending. Think about it, the entire movie revolves around two things, her search for her sister and the hate and difficulty that she has to endure as a cop killer. So personally I wanted to see the moment that the parents and sister learn the truth. I wanted to see the two sisters reunite. Instead it was all ended with a hug. I didn't like it, it just didn't feel right.
The story is interesting (although very predictable), the acting is good and for a Netflix movie it's actually not that bad! Considering that Netflix produces so much garbage, this is actually a big improvement imho.
The story itself is a bit flawed (careful - spoilers alert) because if you think about it, there was no need for her to take the blame. Nobody is going to put a 5 year old in jail for doing something she hardly even understands. Also, taking the blame means leaving her sister on her own because she was her only family. In this case she ended up in a good loving home but there are too many kids who go into the system and have a completely different story. If she told the truth she could have cared for her sister for all those years or at least stay in contact with her. Throwing her into the system because you feel guilty or whatever is in no way in her best interest (or yours). Also, I'm not a gun expert but I'm not sure if a five year old can actually do it. It could be a coincidence but technically speaking, I'm not sure that a 5 y/o can hold a shotgun, aim and kill (not wound) a sheriff. Maybe it's possible but it seems unlikely. A 5 year old in that situation will likely sit on the floor and cry or maybe hide a closet. How did she even know how to use a gun?
Now, my biggest problem with this movie is not actually with these flaws but with the ending. I didn't like it. That's the ending we get after everything? A hug? Really? I think too much time was spent on watching Sandra Bullock working and trying to survive. The sister could only hug her after she realized who she was and what she did for her (raising her, taking the blame for her and saving her sister). I find it hard to believe that it was all revealed right there in the scene while they were standing next to the ambulance. I think the story should have focused more on the sister, her trauma and memories. The parents should have learned the truth and explain it all to their daughter or she could have heard it directly from her sister but not like that. I mean, it's hard to imagine what happened there. The parents got a phone call run to the scene (with Katie) and then the kidnapped daughter just told them everything? When was the truth about the sheriff's death revealed? How is Katie at age 25 supposed to deal with the fact that she killed a man? That her sister was in jail for 20 years? That her parents lied to her? That her younger sister was kidnapped and almost killed for something she did? I just don't see how such a complicated story could have been unraveled in just a few minutes right there in the scene of the crime. And if she didn't learn the whole truth (and doesn't even remember her sister) then the hug is meaningless. It felt rushed, it didn't make much sense and to me it was a very unsatisfactory ending. Think about it, the entire movie revolves around two things, her search for her sister and the hate and difficulty that she has to endure as a cop killer. So personally I wanted to see the moment that the parents and sister learn the truth. I wanted to see the two sisters reunite. Instead it was all ended with a hug. I didn't like it, it just didn't feel right.
Good acting but that's it
kbaxws12 December 2021
But the story?
I just never bought in to any of it.
The sons of the Sheriff were weird. The whole revenge thing and the cheating etc...?
The little sister 20 years later, so now age 25? But played as if she's 17?
And the woman living in her old house that fears her suddenly turns a corner and has empathy so now willingly drives her wherever she wants to go?
Geez I like a good plot twist too, but this one?
I won't give it away, but it left me scratching my head...why????
I just never bought in to any of it.
The sons of the Sheriff were weird. The whole revenge thing and the cheating etc...?
The little sister 20 years later, so now age 25? But played as if she's 17?
And the woman living in her old house that fears her suddenly turns a corner and has empathy so now willingly drives her wherever she wants to go?
Geez I like a good plot twist too, but this one?
I won't give it away, but it left me scratching my head...why????
Little light relief, but still an effective drama
wellthatswhatithinkanyway8 January 2022
STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) is a recently paroled convicted killer, who returns to her hometown hoping to just quietly get by. Settling down in a rundown hostel, and securing a couple of low wage jobs, she liases with her parole officer Vincent (Rob Morgan) who keeps her in check. But Ruth has other matters to settle, returning to her old house where her fate was sealed, and crossing paths with the new residents, John Ingram (Vincent D'Onofrio), a custody lawyer, and his wife Liz (Viola Davis), who help her try to get back in touch with her estranged younger sister, Katie (Emma Nelson.) But many in the town won't forgive Ruth for her crime, and a plot to bring her down leads to a shocking revelation.
The medium of film allows for the chance for some awkward, uncomfortable stories to be told that, though offering little in the way of escapism or frivolity, do provide for some strong, unflinching human drama. German director Nora Fingscheidt's The Unforgivable would be one such example, a young, female director giving direction to an older, veteran Hollywood lady, completely stripping her of her glamour, and reimagining her as a haggard, damaged woman with all the hardships of life flung on her.
Fingscheidt delves straight in to the nitty gritty of her subject and subject matter, presenting a bleak, unglamorous story with very little in the way of humour and light. She compliments this with fittingly dull, grey lighting that fits the tone perfectly. In the lead role, Bullock reliably gives it her all, laying it on with both barrels as a hard assed, determined subject on the fringes of society, who has a lot of past to put to sleep, and complimented by a strong supporting cast, including Davis, D'Onofrio, Morgan and a slew of others. The one big comedown, aside from the lack of much light relief, is some improbability in the set up and how the plot line develops off the back of it, which unavoidably mars the proceedings somewhat.
If you're not expecting much in the way of humour and laughs, but can appreciate some raw, unflinching human drama with strong, powerful performances, then Fingscheidt's effort should be at least worth a watch. ***
Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) is a recently paroled convicted killer, who returns to her hometown hoping to just quietly get by. Settling down in a rundown hostel, and securing a couple of low wage jobs, she liases with her parole officer Vincent (Rob Morgan) who keeps her in check. But Ruth has other matters to settle, returning to her old house where her fate was sealed, and crossing paths with the new residents, John Ingram (Vincent D'Onofrio), a custody lawyer, and his wife Liz (Viola Davis), who help her try to get back in touch with her estranged younger sister, Katie (Emma Nelson.) But many in the town won't forgive Ruth for her crime, and a plot to bring her down leads to a shocking revelation.
The medium of film allows for the chance for some awkward, uncomfortable stories to be told that, though offering little in the way of escapism or frivolity, do provide for some strong, unflinching human drama. German director Nora Fingscheidt's The Unforgivable would be one such example, a young, female director giving direction to an older, veteran Hollywood lady, completely stripping her of her glamour, and reimagining her as a haggard, damaged woman with all the hardships of life flung on her.
Fingscheidt delves straight in to the nitty gritty of her subject and subject matter, presenting a bleak, unglamorous story with very little in the way of humour and light. She compliments this with fittingly dull, grey lighting that fits the tone perfectly. In the lead role, Bullock reliably gives it her all, laying it on with both barrels as a hard assed, determined subject on the fringes of society, who has a lot of past to put to sleep, and complimented by a strong supporting cast, including Davis, D'Onofrio, Morgan and a slew of others. The one big comedown, aside from the lack of much light relief, is some improbability in the set up and how the plot line develops off the back of it, which unavoidably mars the proceedings somewhat.
If you're not expecting much in the way of humour and laughs, but can appreciate some raw, unflinching human drama with strong, powerful performances, then Fingscheidt's effort should be at least worth a watch. ***
See also
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