Unthinkable (2010) Movie Review

Unthinkable: A Riveting Psychological Thriller

Mar 12, 2025 3 min read Unthinkable: A Riveting Psychological Thriller backdrop image

Unthinkable, directed by Gregor Jordan, emerges as a psychological thriller that demands your attention and keeps your mental wheels spinning. In this movie review, we’ll explore why this peculiar crime drama—featuring heavyweights like Samuel L. Jackson and Carrie-Anne Moss—deserves a closer look.

Set against the tense backdrop of a potential nuclear crisis, Unthinkable unravels a harrowing story where supposed morals and ethics clash with imminent catastrophe. The plot intriguingly follows a black-ops interrogator and his uneasy collaboration with an F.B.I. agent, both tasked with retrieving critical information from a diabolical yet chillingly calm suspect played by Michael Sheen. You can't help but question your own ethics as you watch their motivations unfold on screen.

Now, about the performances—Samuel L. Jackson dominates the room as the blunt and relentless interrogator, a role clearly tailored for his larger-than-life presence. Carrie-Anne Moss is no slouch either, portraying the agent with steely resolve without compromising on humanity. Michael Sheen as the antagonist delivers a performance that masterfully blurs the line between madness and brilliance. Meanwhile, the direction by Gregor Jordan ensures that every emotional beat lands precisely as intended, while Peter Woodward's screenplay doesn't shy away from putting characters and audience alike in morally gray areas. On the flip side, some scenes might feel a tad too claustrophobic or protracted, but hey, that's thrillers for you—sweaty palms and all!

If you've ever watched The Silence of the Lambs or Zero Dark Thirty, you might feel a bit of déjà vu—yet Unthinkable brings its own spice to the buffet of high-stakes cinema. While it doesn't quite climb to those heights, there's a gritty, unvarnished charm to this movie that refuses to let you sit comfortably in your seat. It’s no cinematic masterpiece, but it's a wild ride through moral ambiguity—something not every film in this genre can pull off.

Ultimately, if rainclouds or existential dread bring you joy (as they do for some cinephiles!), then Unthinkable holds its own in the realm of must-watch films for thriller enthusiasts. Why not grab some popcorn, dim those lights to a low existential glow, and dive into this morally perplexing world? It may not offer all the answers, but it'll certainly leave you pondering—because who doesn’t love some good ol' cinema analysis?