Netflix's The Unforgivable showcases just how difficult it is to reintegrate into life after spending time in prison. While the film leans a bit too much on pathos at times, it nevertheless harrowingly highlights what people mean when they say, "Once a convict, always a convict." At its core, Unforgivable cares more about depicting the depersonalization felt by those who've experienced life behind bars than it does its central story. In that light, however, the film excels.
The Unforgivable's centers on Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) and follows her life -- or what's left of it -- once she finishes her 20-year sentence for murdering a beloved local cop. All Ruth wants now is to see her little sister Katie, but all attempts at meeting her have proven unsuccessful. Cue the arrival of Vincent D'Onofrio's John Ingram, a bleeding-heart defense attorney who is swayed to help Ruth regain visitation rights. Of course, it gets complicated by the fact that Katie's adopted parents want nothing to do with Ruth because of her past and fear the harm that she could do to them. Meanwhile, the now-grown sons of the cop that Ruth killed are ready to avenge their father's murder at any cost.
Director Nora Fingscheidt makes her feature film debut with The Unforgivable, and her past documentary work can be felt through each frame of this film. Careful attention is given to the monotony of Ruth's post-prison life. While it can sometimes feel repetitive to watch Ruth go from her carpenter day job to her graveyard shift at the fish market, it adds a sense of believable realism to the film. It makes perfect sense that Ruth is drawn to a structured routine because, after spending half her life in jail, that is all she knows.
Bullock is tasked with a lot in these frames specifically, having to fill up the space with grit, desperation and hope all at once. In her hands, this task looks effortless. There are many frames where Bullock is the only person on-screen, and it's always compelling to watch how thoughtfully Bullock moves -- clearly demonstrating the tense, guarded nature that someone who survived prison would embody in daily life. Her methodical and careful nature is only outmatched by her breakneck switch to fury when the situation calls for it. Bullock turns in an Oscar-worthy performance for this film.
The downside to showing a lot of solo shots for Ruth is we don't really get to see her play against the film's all-star cast. While there are some deliciously tense scenes with D'Onofrio's John, it's hard not to daydream of other scenes between them. Similarly, Viola Davis' Liz is pretty much sidelined in the film. Davis and D'Onofrio are only used in pivotal or life-changing scenes in Ruth's life. In that regard, their roles as possible allies for Ruth can feel a bit formulaic. It's worth noting, however, that Davis serves up the film's most heartbreaking and revelatory moment. She switches on a dime from rage to empathy and that delivery sells not just that moment, but the main reveal of the entire film.
As far as thriller concepts go, the premise -- and its uncovered truth -- tells a fairly unique story. Although the "cop killer" rage directed at her and its B-plotline feels a bit half-baked and out of sync with the modern era -- where it's not taboo to discuss police brutality or brutality against police officers -- the story's sisterly bond is refreshing. Watching a woman sacrifice so much for a younger sister isn't a motivation often explored in dramatic thrillers. It's a welcomed change to see a woman not have to be a mother to showcase love on-screen.
Dark, melancholy, and full of heart, The Unforgivable is 100% a tear-jerker that raises profoundly interesting questions around guilt. Even if its runtime is a little longer than needed, it's hard to turn away from Bullock's pitch-perfect performance, which will make audiences think twice about how unfairly society views people who've been to prison.