When Steven Soderbergh announced his filmmaking experiment with the recent release of psychological thriller "Unsane," people in the film industry might have thought of him as, well, insane(ly) [creative].
In his past film projects, albeit dipping a hand in production, direction, editing, writing and everything else he's gotten into as an artist, Soderbergh has utilized the luxury of having access to the best equipment in the business (cameras included). That, without question, can not only add costs to the production, but result in a more visually stunning and realistic film for viewers to enjoy even more. The man behind multi-million dollar productions with multi-multi million-dollar box office returns like "Oceans 11", "Magic Mike" and "Erin Brockovich" is not a stranger to getting movies about medications and their "Side Effects" made, or about the ramifications of putting your trust in others' hands rather than your own.
As for "Unsane", Soderbergh chose Claire Foy to play a financial analyst whose insanity is questioned after she becomes unusually frightened following an alleged stalking incident. It's a far cry from her regal role as Queen Elizabeth on Netflix's "The Crown", which has propelled her to fame. Contrary to her TV role, there is absolutely no room for "Netflix and chill" while watching "Unsane." In addition to the jarring synopsis, unusual cast of characters (namely, SNL alumni Jay Pharaoh plays lead Sawyer Valentini's undercover confidante) and critique on the existing mental healthcare system, it's Soderbergh's filmmaking technique that captures everything ever so beautifully. The movie's filmed using an iPhone 7 plus (interesting timing with the film's release as Apple's announced it will delve into the entertainment arena), exhibiting Soderbergh's ability in having his typical keen eye and steady hand. That directional style truly stands out, and in a way reflects the disturbing nature of what the camera captures.
It's amazing how one signature can affect the course of Sawyer's life, but what's even more remarkable is how creepy stalker David (Joshua Leonard) manages to follow her every move and decode the medical system. But the movie begs the question: How much truth is there to this story? Writer James Greer clearly does not condone medical practices within the psychiatric healthcare systems and weaves in a common thought about whether some patients' stay becomes longer for the sake of making the hospitals more money. Questioning a doctor's authority as a patient might come across poorly, especially when one is in a precarious situation and closed off from the world, feeling as though his or her rights have been stripped away. And as Sawyer comes to realize, there's a fine line between fiction and reality, but distinct one on controlling one's actions when under the watchful eye of authoritative figures.