"Unthinkable" is an argumentative essay on torture coated in a thriller. Samuel L. Jackson goes Jack Bauer on a Muslim terrorist (who, possibly in the name of political correctness, is a Caucasian American) to "find out where the bomb is". And, of course, "damn it, we're running out of time!" Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Moss plays "the reason character", representing the sane part of the audience, arguing that using torture on them means the terrorists have won. A premise several films and a handful of TV shows have explored in the past few years in detail.
The narrative proceeds in a clear and obvious trajectory, meaning there are no big surprises along the way, every twist and turn are visible far ahead. This is not to say the film is without tension, it's just once the characters are established, the story does not have anywhere to go but the predictable path. What make the movie a worthwhile watch are the performances. Although Jackson basically plays himself - which is always entertaining - Michael Sheen's acting is very sinister and suggestive, while subtle. The rest of the cast are doing a great job too.
Photography and directing are top notch, although that is to be expected from a production this size. Sometimes it's good to hear both sides of an issue, even if it's a grave one like the former US government's endorsement of torture. If it comes in the form of a well-paced, albeit not very surprising narrative, all the better. "Unthinkable" manages not to be too heavy handed and preachy, and that's welcome.
The narrative proceeds in a clear and obvious trajectory, meaning there are no big surprises along the way, every twist and turn are visible far ahead. This is not to say the film is without tension, it's just once the characters are established, the story does not have anywhere to go but the predictable path. What make the movie a worthwhile watch are the performances. Although Jackson basically plays himself - which is always entertaining - Michael Sheen's acting is very sinister and suggestive, while subtle. The rest of the cast are doing a great job too.
Photography and directing are top notch, although that is to be expected from a production this size. Sometimes it's good to hear both sides of an issue, even if it's a grave one like the former US government's endorsement of torture. If it comes in the form of a well-paced, albeit not very surprising narrative, all the better. "Unthinkable" manages not to be too heavy handed and preachy, and that's welcome.