A Complete Unknown is a 2016 drama film directed by Kaiser Sose. The movie features Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, and Danny Glover in key roles. The film revolves around a woman, who, after leading a life full of secrets and multiple identities, unexpectedly meets someone from her past. It’s a story about identity, relationships, and the choices we make. A Complete Unknown is a decent watch but may feel slow and uneven at times. The performances are strong, but the narrative leaves a lot to be desired.
Story and Screenplay
The story centers on Alice, played by Rachel Weisz, a woman who has lived under many different names and personas. She crosses paths with Tom, a man she once knew and who now has a completely different life. As the story unfolds, we see her struggle with her past and try to figure out who she truly is. The plot isn’t groundbreaking but does explore themes of identity, guilt, and second chances. The screenplay is a bit slow and feels like it drags in places. There are moments when you get caught up in the emotional complexity of the characters, but at times the pace can be frustratingly slow. There’s no big twist or major plot point that keeps you on the edge of your seat, so while the story has potential, it doesn’t quite deliver a satisfying punch.
Acting Performance
Rachel Weisz does a good job portraying Alice, a character who is complicated and layered. Her performance stands out as she captures the feeling of someone hiding from her own past. Michael Shannon, who plays Tom, also brings depth to his character, making him both relatable and mysterious. Danny Glover’s supporting role adds to the overall drama, though his character doesn’t get as much screen time as expected. Overall, the lead performances are solid, but there’s nothing too memorable about the supporting cast. Some of the emotional moments are handled well, but at times, the characters feel a bit too detached from the audience.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Kaiser Sose’s direction is a bit mixed. While the movie has some interesting concepts and a good underlying theme, it struggles with pacing and narrative structure. The cinematography does a fine job capturing the mood of the film, giving it a subtle, almost melancholic feel that fits the story. However, the film does not make full use of its locations and visuals, which could’ve added more depth to the storytelling. Editing is another area where the film falters. Certain scenes feel stretched out, while others seem rushed. The dialogues are good, but they don’t have the emotional weight needed to make the story resonate on a deeper level. The pacing can be slow, and there are times when it feels like the film is dragging without purpose.
Music and Background Score
The music and background score of A Complete Unknown are fairly understated. There are no memorable songs, and the score mostly serves as an emotional backdrop rather than enhancing key moments. The score is not particularly thrilling or dramatic but does complement the film’s somber tone. There are a few moments where the music does help to elevate a scene, but overall, it doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
Positives and Negatives
Positives:
- Rachel Weisz gives a strong performance.
- The film explores interesting themes about identity and secrets.
- Cinematography and visuals are well done in some scenes.
Negatives:
- Slow pacing that may lose the viewer’s interest.
- The screenplay could have been more engaging.
- Supporting characters don’t have enough depth or screen time.
- Music and score don’t add much to the emotional experience.
Box Office and Public Response
A Complete Unknown had a limited release and didn’t make a significant impact at the box office. The audience and critics gave it mixed reviews. While some appreciated the performances, others found the story too slow and lacking in excitement. It didn’t manage to capture the attention of a wider audience and didn’t receive much buzz.
Final Verdict
A Complete Unknown is a movie that explores themes of identity and self-discovery but struggles with pacing and storytelling. The performances are good, especially Rachel Weisz, but the film doesn’t quite manage to hold the viewer’s attention throughout. It’s not a bad film, but it’s not one that stands out either. If you enjoy slower, character-driven stories, you might find something to appreciate here, but for most people, it might feel like a missed opportunity.
Rating: 3/5
