Unhinged

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 21, 2020

Genre
Thriller, Action

Cast & Crew

• Russell Crowe as Tom Cooper
• Caren Pistorius as Rachel Hunter
• Gabriel Bateman as Kyle Hunter
• Jimmi Simpson as Andy
• Austin P. McKenzie as Fred
• Juliene Joyner as Mary
• Michael Papajohn as Cop

Director
Derrick Borte

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Joneses (2009)
• American Dreamer (2018)
• London Town (2016)

Producer

• Lisa Ellzey
• Mark Gill
• Andrew Gunn
• Solstice Studios

Writer

• Carl Ellsworth

Budget
$33 million

Production Company

• Solstice Studios
• Ingenious Media
• Burek Films

Running Time
90 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Language throughout
• Some drug use
• Mature themes

Movie Story
Unhinged is a high-octane psychological thriller that explores the terrifying consequences of a road rage incident gone horribly wrong. The film centers on Rachel Hunter (Caren Pistorius), a recently divorced mother struggling to balance her life while caring for her son, Kyle (Gabriel Bateman). On an already stressful morning, Rachel has a tense encounter with Tom Cooper (Russell Crowe), an unstable and vengeful man, at a traffic light.

After Rachel honks her horn at Tom, who fails to move when the light turns green, Tom demands an apology. When Rachel dismisses him, Tom’s anger spirals into a violent obsession. He decides to teach Rachel a series of life-threatening “lessons” in respect, turning her day into a living nightmare. Tom relentlessly pursues Rachel and those close to her, escalating his attacks as he delves deeper into his unhinged rage.

As Rachel realizes the full extent of Tom’s psychopathy, she is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse, with her son’s safety hanging in the balance. The film is a tension-filled ride, showcasing the psychological impact of unchecked anger and the thin line between sanity and madness. Tom’s unpredictable behavior and brutal tactics keep Rachel and the audience on edge, leading to a violent and harrowing conclusion.

Special Effects
The special effects in Unhinged focus on creating realistic and visceral action sequences that heighten the film’s tension and suspense. The film features high-speed car chases, intense crashes, and brutal confrontations that are shot with a gritty, realistic style. The practical effects, combined with careful stunt work, add to the film’s sense of immediacy and danger, making the violence feel raw and impactful.

Box Office Performance
Unhinged was one of the first major films to be released in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, it grossed over $44 million worldwide, performing relatively well considering the limited number of theaters open at the time. The film’s success was partly due to the lack of competition and the appeal of a straightforward, intense thriller to audiences eager for new content.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Kenner, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t think you know what a bad day is. But you’re gonna find out.” – Tom Cooper
• “You’re gonna learn. See what a bad day really is.” – Tom Cooper
• “He can happen to anyone.” – Rachel Hunter

Behind-the-Scenes
Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Tom Cooper is a significant departure from his previous roles, showcasing his ability to embody a character driven by uncontrollable rage and violence. Crowe brought a menacing intensity to the role, making Tom a truly terrifying antagonist. Director Derrick Borte focused on maintaining a relentless pace throughout the film, with much of the action taking place in real-time, adding to the sense of urgency and suspense.

The film was shot on location in New Orleans, with the city’s streets and highways providing the backdrop for the film’s many chase scenes. The production team worked closely with stunt coordinators and special effects experts to execute the film’s numerous car crashes and action sequences safely and convincingly. The decision to release Unhinged during the pandemic was a calculated risk, but it paid off by drawing attention as one of the few new releases available to theatergoers at the time.

Awards
While Unhinged did not receive major award nominations, Russell Crowe’s performance was noted in genre-specific awards and praised by critics for its intensity and commitment. The film was recognized within the action and thriller community for its engaging, suspenseful narrative and effective use of tension.

Final Verdict
Unhinged is a relentless and intense thriller that taps into the primal fear of encountering a stranger’s uncontrolled rage. With a terrifying performance by Russell Crowe, the film delivers edge-of-your-seat tension and brutal action from start to finish. While the plot is straightforward, the execution is gripping, making it a solid choice for fans of psychological thrillers and action-packed suspense. Unhinged effectively captures the dangers of road rage and the unpredictability of human behavior, offering a chilling and memorable cinematic experience.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10