I can only imagine the kind of anxiety and fear being in charge of a child can instil in an adult who is more than a little terrified of the responsibility of parenthood. When it comes to losing a child, your own flesh and blood, I could never even contemplate the effect that has on someone. Especially, if they feel that they’re in someway responsible for the death. Gary Sinyor uses this as a starting point in his new film The Unseen and then throws in a curveball.
Gemma (Jasmine Hyde) and Will (Richard Flood) are distraught after their son dies in a tragic accident. Gemma, who narrates audiobooks, blames herself and begins to have panic attacks which are triggered when she’s reminded of her son. This causes a temporary loss of vision. The first time this happens she’s rescued by Paul (Simon Cotton), a passer-by, who takes her to hospital. After Gemma recovers, Paul invites them to stay at his guesthouse in The Lakes, but does he have ulterior motives?
The Unseen is an impressive exercise in sleight of hand and emotional drama. Sinyor ramps up the suspense as he keeps the audience guessing until the bitter end. The three leads are all strong and any budgetary issues as cleverly hidden behind intelligent staging and camerawork. The key to the success of The Unseen is maintaining the mystery as long as possible. It does this remarkably well, whilst remaining ion the realms of possibility.
The Unseen is out in cinemas from 15 December.
