The Unseen
dir. Gary Sinyor · 2017
The struggle to cope with loss can lead individuals to confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities, revealing the complexities of love and the human condition.
In "The Unseen," grief manifests as a haunting presence, twisting the couple's reality into a psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll. This film masterfully intertwines auditory hallucinations with the stark beauty of the Lake District, creating a visceral exploration of loss and isolation that resonates deeply with viewers.
After the tragic loss of their son, perfect couple Gemma and Will begin to experience strange auditory hallucinations and losses of vision, as they attempt to escape their worries while vacationing at an acquaintance's remote cottage in the Lake District.
Full synopsisspoilers
Gemma and Will are shattered when their son dies in an accident. Gemma blames herself and starts to have panic attacks that affect her eyesight - her point of view is viscerally shared with the audience. At the same time, Will believes he is hearing his son's voice calling out to him. To escape their grief, Gemma suggests they take up a new acquaintance Paul's offer to stay at his Lake District country getaway.
Gemma, helped by ex-pharmacist Paul, tries to stop her panic attacks with medication. Will, believing in the supernatural continued presence of his lost son, returns home to be with him. This leaves Gemma alone with Paul who appears to be developing genuine feelings for her welfare. Love, grief, and the frailty of the human condition are all brought to the fore as Gemma Will and Paul are caught up in a descent into violence, first psychological and ultimately physical.
