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| Value for Money | 8/10  |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | 9/10 |
| The Unsaid |  | £9.99P&P - Check site |
Full review by
Pyela
expert review 
on 27th Jan 2005
User Rating : 9
Respect :
0
Good Points: Suspenseful plot and good acting
Bad Points: A bit dark in places
General comments: The Unsaid - This is a must-see film. I came across it purely by accident when looking for something to fill the time whilst my hubby was working nights.
The Unsaid is the story of psychologist Michael Hunter, played by Andy Garcia, who is falling apart after his teenage son's suicide. His family has disintegrated. He is separated from his wife and his teenage daughter (Linda Cardellini) is becoming more estranged from him as she matures.
Michael is asked by a former student, Barbara, to come out of retirement and take a look at Tommy for her. Tommy, played by Vincent Karheiser, had resided in a group home for the last 4 years since coming home and finding the body of his mother. His father is currently serving life for her brutal murder. Barbara is concerned that Tommy appears too normal, there does not appear to have been any effect on his character and she feels that he is somehow hiding his true self so that he can leave the institute when he turns 18 in 5 weeks.
Michael agrees to speak to the boy, who, in many ways, reminds him of his own son, but makes no promises. While they talk, Tommy often is replaced in his mind by the vision of his son and at times he confuses the two. But the similarities are what eventually leads him to the answers needed to help Tommy.
There are many twists in the plot and it's not until the last 20 minutes or so that you piece together what actually happened the day Tommy's mother was killed and how this has effected his behaviour. I don't want to give too much away as I don't want to spoil the ending.
Vincent Karheiser, probably best know for his role as Angel's estranged son Connor, is outstanding in the role of Tommy. Whilst Garcia is up to his usual standard and, once he loses the beard, to his good-looking self.
All the acting is exceptionable and quite obvious that Andy Garcia, who also co-produced this film, gave his all in the lead role, and the result is an honest, committed, often moving performance. The plot starts as a drama, and as the characters reveal details about the real facts, the viewer gets more and more involved in this surprisingly excellent psychological thriller. The story is very credible and realistic, the direction is tight and the performance of the cast is marvellous.
This is not a film with an amazing script, nor has it special effects that will blow you away. Still, there is something about it that makes it distinguish itself from others, here I am two days later still thinking about and persuading my friends to rent it.
The bottom line is this: it's a definitely-worth-watching film! And if you're not entertained during and pleased after it, well, admit it: you watched some movie other than `The Unsaid'.
The DVD is available from
Amazon @ £5.97
Play.com @ £5.99
WH Smith @ £15.99
Ebay Buy Now @£5.50 (has gone for as little as £1.00 in auction)
Pyela's review and ratings | 517 words
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