[Movie Review] UNSEEN - Nightmarish Conjurings

UNSEEN is a horror comedy that nails both aspects, leaving you gripping your seat one moment and laughing the next. This Blumhouse film, directed by Yoko Okumura and written by Salvatore Caldoni and Brian Rawlins, is a fun time filled with frustrating moments that make the payouts even sweeter. The story follows two strangers, Sam (Jolene Purdy) and Emily (Midori Francis), whose worlds collide when Emily, a nearly blind woman, calls Sam as she struggles to escape her murderous ex in the woods.

There are several films similar to this story, the most recent of which is See for Me, an older being Cellular. It never gets old as the “what would you do” aspect constantly titillates the mind of viewers. The movie begins with a miserable Sam making a phone call while sitting in her car outside her job. Somewhere else, a drowsy Emily wakes up, with her hand and feed bound, to her phone ringing. Neither women are in a great situation—Sam’s at a gas station job with a horrid boss who enjoys demeaning her. But Emily is in a cabin in the woods after being drugged and snatched by Charlie (Michael Patrick Lane), her abusive ex.

No Helpless Women Awaiting Rescue

Emily is no cowering, hapless victim. Before she makes Sam’s acquaintance, Emily does her best to escape her situation. The issue is Emily has very poor eyesight. Without her glasses, everything turns into a blur. After fighting with Charlie, a still-bound Emily gains the upper hand, knocking him out. But amid the tussle, her glasses break. UNSEEN’s stakes immediately ratchet higher as the film uses the environment as a source of terror and technology as a literal lifeline.

Though Sam is less assured and tough, she and Emily build a friendship as they use Facetime so Sam can direct Emily to safety. It’s that stranger intimacy. One that magnifies with danger and allows a person to bare their soul. Between the pair, though, Sam’s arc is clearer to see, and Jolene Purdy captures her transition from shy with feelings of worthlessness to confident. But both Jolene Purdy and Midori Francis encapsulate that feeling of terror, frustration, and doubt that gives way to untold strength that comes from each other.

Some Questionable Choices in UNSEEN

There were a couple of moments in UNSEEN where you scream, “You’re making great choices, but don’t stop now.” They even seem out of character, which is a testament to how quickly and effectively the movie portrays them. Still, Emily likely snapped after all she had experienced. That might hinder her ability to reason. But both characters have moments that feel less like them and more like something to propel the plot. Despite that gripe, it’s still an excellent film.

There is danger and tension as Emily struggles to escape the woods with her toxic, entitled ex-boyfriend tracking her. As a viewer, you constantly stare behind her into the trees. There are also laughs even in dangerous moments, such as when Charlie dives into another rant about her, and she tells him to shut the f- up. You will cheer at that moment. The way abusers twist their harm is disgusting and insufferable. Their emotional tantrum is always more important than the physical harm they cause their partner.

Yes to Sisterhood

Another oddly hilarious point of comic relief is the rude and condescending gas station customer Carol (Missi Pyle). It’s apparent Sam’s growth will play into a showdown with this disrespectful customer, but it’s still wild moments. There is plenty of unpredictable laughs in UNSEEN. Their moment reminds me of Rachel McAdams’s character at the end of Red Eye.

UNSEEN maintains tension amidst the comedy, all while using just a phone, a gas station, and some woods. Even during hilarious moments, the taut pull of terror never eases. Each cast member shines as part of the whole, bringing to life a must-see film. It could be a guide, too—a kind of if-your-partner-sound-like-that warning. Top-tier work.

Paramount Home Entertainment will release the horror thriller film UNSEEN on Digital and On Demand on March 7, 2023, and on MGM+ on May 2023