The Unforgivable

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 10, 2021

Genre
Drama, Crime, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Sandra Bullock as Ruth Slater
• Viola Davis as Liz Ingram
• Vincent D’Onofrio as John Ingram
• Jon Bernthal as Blake
• Aisling Franciosi as Katie Malcolm
• Rob Morgan as Vincent Cross
• Richard Thomas as Michael Malcolm
• Linda Emond as Rachel Malcolm

Director
Nora Fingscheidt

Other Movies Director is Known For

• System Crasher (2019)

Producer
Sandra Bullock, Veronica Ferres, Graham King

Writer
Peter Craig, Hillary Seitz, Courtenay Miles, based on the British miniseries Unforgiven by Sally Wainwright

Budget
Estimated at $20 million

Production Company
Netflix, GK Films, Fortis Films

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Mature themes

Movie Story
The Unforgivable is a powerful drama that centers on the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impact of past actions on the present. Sandra Bullock stars as Ruth Slater, a woman who has just been released from prison after serving a 20-year sentence for a violent crime. As she reenters society, Ruth faces the harsh reality of life as a convicted felon, with few willing to offer her a second chance.

The film begins with Ruth’s release, as she attempts to rebuild her life in Seattle. She struggles to find steady employment and faces hostility and judgment from those who know about her past. Ruth’s primary focus, however, is on reconnecting with her younger sister, Katie (Aisling Franciosi), who was adopted by a new family after Ruth’s incarceration. Katie was just a child when Ruth went to prison, and the two have been estranged ever since.

Desperate to see her sister, Ruth reaches out to Katie’s adoptive parents, Michael and Rachel Malcolm (Richard Thomas and Linda Emond), who are reluctant to let her back into Katie’s life. They fear that reintroducing Ruth could disrupt the stability and happiness that Katie has found. Ruth’s determination to reconnect with Katie is the emotional heart of the film, as she wrestles with guilt, regret, and the desire to make amends.

As Ruth navigates the difficulties of her new life, she finds unexpected support from a few individuals, including John Ingram (Vincent D’Onofrio), a lawyer who takes an interest in her case, and Blake (Jon Bernthal), a coworker who becomes a friend. However, Ruth’s past continues to haunt her, and she soon discovers that the family of the victim of her crime is seeking their own form of justice.

The tension in the film builds as Ruth’s quest for redemption clashes with the desire for revenge from those affected by her crime. The film’s narrative explores the complexity of forgiveness, both from others and from oneself, and examines the long-lasting impact of trauma.

Special Effects
The Unforgivable is a character-driven drama that does not rely heavily on special effects. The film’s power comes from its performances, direction, and the raw emotional intensity of its story. The cinematography captures the bleakness of Ruth’s world, using muted colors and close-up shots to emphasize her isolation and internal struggle. The film’s realistic portrayal of its settings, from the rundown apartments to the industrial workplaces, adds to the authenticity of Ruth’s post-prison experience.

Box Office Performance
The Unforgivable was released on Netflix, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films. Its success was driven by Sandra Bullock’s compelling performance and the film’s exploration of timely and universal themes. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it resonated with audiences who appreciated its emotional depth and the complex portrayal of a woman seeking redemption.

Filming Locations

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “I was in prison. I just got out.” – Ruth Slater
• “You are not a victim, and I am not afraid of you.” – Ruth Slater
• “I’m not a monster. I’m just a woman.” – Ruth Slater

Behind-the-Scenes
The Unforgivable marked Nora Fingscheidt’s English-language directorial debut, following her critically acclaimed German film System Crasher. Sandra Bullock, who also served as a producer, was drawn to the project for its exploration of complex female characters and the themes of redemption and forgiveness. The film’s screenplay underwent several revisions, with the writers working to adapt the original British miniseries into a feature-length film that retained the emotional core of the story.

Awards

• Nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Sandra Bullock)
• Nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award (Best Actress – Sandra Bullock)

Final Verdict
The Unforgivable is a gripping and emotionally charged drama that offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by those seeking redemption after a troubled past. Sandra Bullock delivers a powerful performance as Ruth Slater, anchoring the film with a portrayal that is both raw and empathetic. While the film may not offer easy answers, its exploration of forgiveness, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships makes it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10