The Unforgivable
The Unforgivable
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Unforgivable is a drama starring and produced by Sandra Bullock that's based on a 2009 British miniseries about a woman who's released from prison after 20 years, desperate to find the little sister she left behind. The film tackles mature themes such as the challenges that formerly incarcerated adults often face when it comes to moving forward in society, the strong bonds between siblings, and the thirst for vengeance. Violence and threat permeate the story, from flashbacks to a killing to harsh beatings to an armed abduction. Language includes frequent use of "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," and more, and there's one quick sex scene involving an adulterous affair. Adoptive families should also note that there's a lot of discussion about the issue of biological relatives reaching out to adopted family members. Characters also talk about the failings of "the system," which here means everything from foster care to prison. The talented cast includes Viola Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, and Rob Morgan.
Community Reviews
Nothing graphic
Report this review
Tough reality
Report this review
What's the Story?
THE UNFORGIVABLE centers on Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock), a woman who has just been released from prison after serving a 20-year sentence for murdering her small town's sheriff while trying to protect her 5-year-old sister, Katie. After getting out, Ruth is on probation and living in a fringe neighborhood of Seattle working at a fish processing facility. But all she really wants to do is find Katie -- now a 25-year-old classical musician who was adopted by a couple who've never told her about her sister. Ruth revisits her childhood farmhouse (where the crime took place) in the Seattle suburbs and finds that a middle-aged couple (Vincent D'Onofrio and Viola Davis) with teen sons now lives there. It turns out that the husband, John, is a corporate attorney who eventually offers to help Ruth track down her sister pro bono. Meanwhile, the dead sheriff's adult sons (Tom Guiry and Will Pullen) pursue vigilante justice to avenge their father.
Is It Any Good?
Despite the gifted acting ensemble and promising initial premise, this post-prison drama's execution, plot line, and character development are disappointing. One of director Nora Fingscheidt's main missteps is that, in all the flashbacks, Bullock's Ruth is meant to be an older teen (it's never quite confirmed, but that's the implication) -- and even with a different haircut and good makeup, she looks much more like Katie's mother than her older sister. It's distracting and unnecessary when you consider how many films successfully feature two different actors playing young and older versions of the same character. Another overarching problem is that Ruth's singular goal -- reconnecting with Katie -- starts off as relatable but eventually veers into obsessive territory. Although we're meant to be sympathetic to Ruth, she doesn't really grow. But her lack of considerable growth isn't as bad as the late sheriff's sons, one of whom takes such a dramatic heel turn that the twist is unbelievable (and that's not even the movie's most implausible reveal).
All of the actors do their best with their roles, and it's obvious that Bullock is committed to her performance, but the script by Peter Craig, Hillary Seitz, and Courtenay Miles doesn't provide the ensemble with well-rounded, nuanced characters. Jon Bernthal stands out as Ruth's romantically interested co-worker who's so kind that she doesn't know how to process his behavior. Rob Morgan is underused as the parole officer who tries to keep Ruth on the right track. And Aisling Franciosi -- so memorable in The Nightingale -- barely speaks as grown-up Katherine, a pianist suffering from suppressed memories and the trauma of what she and her sister survived. The transcendent nature of family bonds is the drama's most lasting message, but even that's a mixed bag, considering how the brothers' relationship is stained by violence and vengeance. Bullock continues to be one of the best known and liked actors in Hollywood, but this isn't one of her memorable films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Unforgivable. What kind of impact does realistic violence have? Is it different from more stylized violence?
What does the movie have to say about formerly incarcerated people and how they're treated? How are people who've been in the prison system often discriminated against?
Are there any role models in the story? What character strengths do they display?
How is substance use depicted in the story? Is it glamorized in any way, or is the drinking and smoking a symptom of other factors?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 24, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: December 10, 2021
- Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Bernthal, Vincent D'Onofrio
- Director: Nora Fingscheidt
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 112 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and violence
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Clemency
Powerful, intense, mature drama about the death penalty.
-
Conviction
Intense, fact-based crime drama celebrates family ties.
-
Just Mercy
Effective, intense drama about racism and justice; swearing.
-
The Shawshank Redemption
Gritty prison tale has positive messages, lots of profanity.
For kids who love dramas
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate