You are here:

Unsane

Name: Unsane
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Released: 2018
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2018

Director

Steven Soderbergh

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Unsane is a sophisticated psychological thriller that emphasizes subjective experience over clinical guidelines. It succeeds by breaking down the idea of objective truth and questioning the reliability of Western medical systems. The film's strength lies in its thoughtful portrayal of mental health and its critique of systemic power imbalances. By making viewers see the world through the protagonist's fragmented perspective, it avoids using disability as a simple plot device. However, the film lacks diversity in its social representation. The narrow focus on the protagonist's specific psychological state results in a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Unsane have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any prominent LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The story focuses on the protagonist's psychological struggles within the institution.

How does Unsane portray gender?

Good

Violet is a key female character who actively navigates a male-dominated institutional setting. The film passes the Bechdel test through meaningful conversations between female staff and the main character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Unsane?

Limited

The cast is fairly uniform, focusing on the protagonist's specific socioeconomic and psychological situation. It does not include a wide range of racial backgrounds.

How does Unsane represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film strongly criticizes Western institutional frameworks. It portrays the psychiatric hospital as an oppressive entity that controls individuals.

Does Unsane include disability representation?

Good

The story presents a detailed look at neurodivergence and mental health issues. It gives the protagonist a significant role in her struggle to define reality despite a clinical diagnosis.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced, non-exploitative depiction of neurodivergence and mental health crises.
Effectively critiques Western institutional frameworks and the corruption of social structures.
Centers a female protagonist who plays a significant role against a rigid, patriarchal system.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentional racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Features no prominent LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.

Official Synopsis

A woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution where she is confronted by her greatest fear.

How are these scores produced? →