Unforgettable

Denise Di Novi, known for directing Tim Burton films, takes on something different with Unforgettable. For a thriller, there isn't much in the way of suspense, it feels more like a drama, but when there actually are moments, the tension seems to fall away too soon for the most part. The story does have a unique premise as the newly engaged couple David and Julia each have a psycho ex-partner. I think that the film is okay, but it could have really capitalized on this premise more. Another strength here lies in Tessa's (psycho ex-wife who refuses to let go of her 'perfect' marriage) the backstory that we eventually get. The opening scene shows us the present day with Julia battered and blue from a former boyfriend, Michael, and then rides backward to six months earlier when she first meets David. This opening flash-forward scene to the present presents three effects: 1). It is a problem because it allows the film to become too predictable; it isn't long before you figure out how Michael is going to make his return into Julia's life; 2) It is intriguing because it does make you wonder how she got to this point just six months after finding David--why is Michael coming back again?; 3) It frustrates the viewer because you question why Julia hides this significant history from David. So, going back to #1: the film is, overall, quite predictable. There are a few moments that surprise in terms of the way that things get played out, but most of the plot is expected and the sense of mystery that could have supercharged the tension is left out. #2: Thankfully, we get a resolution to this. #3: As I watched this, I kept thinking, why on earth are David and Julia keeping secrets from each other. Fortunately, we get a very good and believable answer to this.

Another aspect of the film that is original is its indirect dealings with PTSD (on Julia's part) as we flashes of Michael from the past and even a feeling of PTSD on Tessa's part with the explanation of her upbringing.

Rosario Dawson takes the lead here in terms of her acting skill. I don't think Heigl is the best choice for the villain as she seems so phony (though that is part of her upbringing), but it makes her less scary than she should be. What does work are the things she does to try to break David and Julia up: these are evil-driven tactics that showcase her envy quite well and how self-centered she truly is.

The ending is one of those nasty Hollywood cynical endings, which makes the final seconds feel like a horror movie instead of a satisfactory resolution to a thriller.

I liked the film, even with all of its faults. It is enjoyable and put together well, I just don't feel the tension like one should with a thriller as it comes across as a drama in most places.

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