The Unseen is a 2016 Canadian independent film that blends elements of horror, sci-fi, and drama to tell the story of a man who mysteriously disappears, only to return years later with a strange condition. The film is directed by Geoff Redknap and stars Aden Young, Camille Sullivan, Julia Sarah Stone, and Ben Cotton. The plot revolves around Bob Langmore (Aden Young), a former hockey player who left his family and small-town life behind years ago to pursue a career as a logger. When we first meet Bob, he's a lonely and impoverished man, struggling to make ends meet and haunted by his past mistakes. He's estranged from his ex-wife Darlene (Camille Sullivan) and their teenage daughter Eva (Julia Sarah Stone), both of whom resent him for abandoning them.
One day, Bob experiences a strange vision that seems to involve his missing daughter. He becomes convinced that Eva is in danger and decides to return to his hometown to find her. However, when he arrives, he discovers that things have changed drastically since he left. The town is in economic decline, and many of the people he once knew are gone. Worse, Eva is nowhere to be found, and no one seems to remember her ever existing.
As Bob digs deeper into the mystery of his daughter's disappearance, he begins to experience strange and unsettling physical symptoms. His body seems to be slowly disappearing, turning transparent and translucent. He's also plagued by strange hallucinations and memories that may or may not be real. At the same time, he becomes reacquainted with Darlene, who has moved on with her life and started a new family. Despite their shared history, Bob struggles to connect with her and find his place in this world.
The Unseen is a slow-burning and contemplative film that uses its sci-fi elements to explore themes of loss, regret, and identity. At its heart, it's a character study that focuses on Bob's emotional journey and the toll that his disappearance has taken on his loved ones. Aden Young gives a nuanced and understated performance as the troubled protagonist, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability that's both poignant and unsettling.
Camille Sullivan is also excellent as Darlene, bringing a sense of warmth and compassion to a character who could have easily been written off as a cliched ex-wife. Julia Sarah Stone is equally impressive as Eva, radiating a sense of rebelliousness and vulnerability that's central to the film's emotional core. Ben Cotton rounds out the cast as Bob's former best friend Brad, who serves as a foil to Bob's loneliness and bitterness.
One of the film's strengths is its use of visual effects to convey Bob's disappearing body. The effects are subtle and grounded in reality, using a combination of makeup and CGI to create a sense of physical decay. The film also makes use of atmospheric sound design and music to create an eerie and foreboding tone.
Overall, The Unseen is a haunting and thought-provoking film that defies easy categorization. It's both a sci-fi thriller and a family drama, exploring complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. While it may not be for everyone, it's a film that rewards patience and attention, offering a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
The Unseen is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
