The last film review published on senses.se covered the action film Bad Boys for Life in January. Subsequently, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of all cinema screenings. Now, with conditions gradually returning to normal, cinemas are reopening. Our first major premiere consideration is Unhinged, starring Russell Crowe.
Rachel (Caren Pistorius) experiences a particularly difficult day. Oversleeping, navigating a divorce, and losing a significant client compound her stress. Further exacerbating her frustration, she encounters a traffic jam. In a moment of impatience, she uses her car horn when the vehicle ahead fails to proceed as the light turns green. This seemingly innocuous action yields severe repercussions, as the driver (Russell Crowe) has just committed a series of violent acts: murdering his wife, her lover, and setting their house ablaze. He then focuses his rage on Rachel, her acquaintances, and soon, everyone connected to her is in grave danger.
It is refreshing to return to the cinema and experience a film on the big screen once again. Unhinged initiates with considerable impact, immediately capturing the viewer’s attention. Russell Crowe presents a stark contrast to his physique in Gladiator, now portraying a character with a significantly heavier build. While reports indicate the use of a fat-suit, this physical transformation effectively complements the character. Crowe delivers a compelling performance as a deranged psychopath, showcasing both intensity and charisma. One particular sequence set in a diner stands out as exceptionally brutal. Caren Pistorius portrays Rachel with commendable determination and emotional depth. The on-screen relationship between her and Gabriel Bateman, who plays her son Kyle, is also noteworthy.
At its peak, Unhinged evokes a blend of Spielberg’s Duel and Schumacher’s Falling Down, amplified with intense action. The film offers violence, excitement, and suspense. However, at its weakest, the writing falters and certain plot elements appear implausible. The characters often lack logical decision-making skills, and the police response seems inadequate, particularly regarding the deployment of resources such as helicopters or advanced technology for apprehending the perpetrator. Several incidents in Unhinged could have been resolved with a simple phone call or a precise shot from a trained marksman. Furthermore, the insertion of social commentary feels somewhat forced and commonplace, such as a scene depicting Rachel’s Volvo being rear-ended in traffic while onlookers remain engrossed in their mobile devices.
In conclusion, Unhinged achieves a passing grade, as its positive attributes compensate for its shortcomings. The film provides 90 minutes of entertainment, recalling classic action films from the eighties and nineties, where the primary focus was on delivering thrills rather than adhering strictly to scriptural logic.
