FilmSnobReviews

Title: Una
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Benedict Andrews
Starring: Ruby Stokes, Rooney Mara, Ben Mendelsohn
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins

What It Is: When Una (Stokes and Mara) was 13-years-old she had an affair with an older man named Ray (Mendelsohn) who eventually went to jail for four years for his sexual misconduct with a minor. Now some 15 years later Una has returned to Ray’s life. The real question is what are her intentions? Is she there to ruin his life? Or is she still in love with the man who from a legal standpoint raped her at just 13-years-old?

What We Think: This film lives and dies by two things its script and the performances of two very capable actors. Those very same actors hold your attention through it all even if at moments the writing lets them down a bit. Overall there’s a disgust for all the characters here. They’re not redeemable people. Even once you know everything the story has to tell you can’t help but really dislike everyone here. Except for Riz Ahmed’s Scott because Riz Ahmed is awesome period. This is definitely a film I had no expectations about and I”m glad it didn’t let me down.

Our Grade: B, This is a pretty good film. Not by any means one of the years best but I think 2017 has been a pretty good year. That being said there’s enough here to grip you and shake you up. Especially if you’re sensitive to violence and sexual abuse against children. Still, there’s good stuff here and those that can follow along are in for a thrill that will send a bit of a chill and some excellent acting from it’s leads. Rooney Mara is one of the best actresses working and that’s no different here. I can recommend this one for sure.