Unthinkable

Unthinkable raises a question which has been an issue for many people all over the world for a very long time, and especially since 9/11. This question is, is it ever justified to torture an individual to save the lives of many? And if the answer is yes, how far can you go?

This issue is indeed a very sensitive subject and I think it takes guts for any filmmaker to put it out there in the open like Gregor Jordan did. Add to that the clever fact that he doesn't actually make a choice, but rather lets the audience decide on whatever they want to think and feel, and you have a pretty gutsy and controversial concept.

In a nutshell, this film is about a man of American descent who has become a Muslim and has now, as an act of terrorism, planted 3 nuclear bombs in 3 major American cities which will go off in four days. Screenwriter Peter Woodward made some very tactical decisions considering the characters in the story. They are all somewhat stereotypical, but this is no bother because they're all there for a reason. Carrie-Anne Moss, as an FBI investigator, represents the conscience, the sensitivity and the struggle to make the right decision. Samuel L. Jackson is her polar opposite; the brutal, rational, stone cold "interrogator" who does what he does because he's the only one who can and willing to do it. The means he is willing to go to in order to get his subject to talk are almost as unwatchable as they are unthinkable. This is quite possibly the most gruesome film I have ever seen, but that mostly has to do with the fact that the things you see are in fact very real. This stuff does happen, and it's way harder to stomach than any slasher horror movie because it sucks you in emotionally. Intelligence agencies and secret services the world over DO use these techniques, whether we like to believe it or not.

All of this sounds like a great opportunity to address a major issue and stimulate people to really think about it, doesn't it? One would like to think so...

Unthinkable is one of those movies that forces you to confront moral dilemmas head-on and leaves you questioning your own boundaries. It delivers a bold and unapologetic message that’s impossible to miss. While the plot centers around a high-stakes scenario involving a terrorist threat, the real tension comes from the ethical lines being blurred in the process of handling it. It’s not an easy movie to watch, but it’s definitely one that sticks with you.

The first act sets the stage well, introducing the characters and pulling you into the gravity of the situation. Once the story transitions into the heart of the conflict, the tension ramps up significantly, and the movie almost throws out traditional storytelling to focus entirely on its message. Surprisingly, this works in its favor, creating an unpredictable and unsettling atmosphere. It’s intense, uncomfortable, and keeps you glued, even when it’s hard to watch.

Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Sheen deliver standout performances. Jackson’s commanding and unrelenting presence contrasts perfectly with Sheen’s calculated and chilling portrayal, creating a dynamic that drives the story forward. The production supports the narrative effectively, with its cold, clinical setting amplifying the tension. Even the camerawork, especially the subtle shifts between perspectives, adds to the unease.

That said, the movie isn’t without flaws. It misses an opportunity to dive deeper into the emotional and psychological effects on everyone involved, which could have added more layers to its themes. And there’s one moment near the end involving a technical detail that feels out of place and undercuts the grounded realism. But despite these missteps, Unthinkable succeeds in delivering a tense and thought-provoking experience. If you’re into movies that challenge your sense of right and wrong, this one is worth a watch.