Una (2017)

Overview

Una is a 2017 psychological drama brought to life through a screenplay adapted by David Harrower from his own stage play "Blackbird," and directed by Benedict Andrews. Starring Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn, the film explores how a traumatic event from the past resurfaces years later to upend the lives of two people. Though rooted in theatre, this production successfully translates to a powerful cinematic language without losing its atmospheric tension and character depth.

David Shields also contributed to the film's screenplay; he is known for a literary approach that pushes the boundaries between reality and fiction. This kind of ambiguity and unsettling sense of reality is also prominent in Una's narrative style. The film invites viewers into a story that offers no easy answers and navigates morally gray areas.

Although the production, with its dialogue-heavy structure set in limited locations, retains the feel of its theatrical origins, it manages to deliver a cinematic experience through its camerawork and editing. The narrative, which moves back and forth between flashbacks and the present, forms a fragmented puzzle in the viewer's mind.

Plot

Una follows a woman in her thirties who unexpectedly reunites, years later, with the perpetrator of an event she experienced in childhood. The woman decides to confront him by going to the workplace of her former neighbor, with whom she once had a close relationship. This encounter brings back to the surface the memories, feelings of guilt, and conflicting emotions that both of them have tried to suppress.

Throughout the film, the viewer gradually learns the pieces of what exactly happened in the past. However, this process of discovery never reaches a comforting clarity; on the contrary, with each new piece of information, the complexity and moral ambiguity of the situation deepen further. Una's present-day motivations are intertwined with feelings of anger, searching, and reckoning that carry traces of the past.

The story unfolds over the course of a single day, mostly within a factory setting, and this limited time-space structure creates a mounting sense of pressure that heightens the tension. The characters' dialogues serve both to illuminate the past and to continuously shift the balance of power in the present.

Why Should You Watch It?

Una deserves to be watched because it offers a disturbing yet thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film avoids an easily categorizable hero-villain dichotomy, forcing viewers to question their own moral judgments. This is the most important quality that sets the production apart from an ordinary drama film.

The performances of Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn are among the film's greatest strengths. Both actors convey the complex inner worlds of their characters through minimal yet effective acting. Silences, glances, and body language carry as much meaning as the dialogue.

The film's visual language is also noteworthy. The industrial factory setting creates a cold, claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the characters' internal dilemmas. In bringing a theatrically rooted text to the screen, director Benedict Andrews manages to turn the setting into something like a character in its own right.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Una is not a suitable film for those seeking a light and relaxing viewing experience. With its heavy themes, slow pace, and unsettling content, this production appeals more to viewers who are drawn to character-driven, thought-provoking dramas. It will be a satisfying choice for film lovers who enjoy stage adaptations, dialogue-heavy narratives, and psychological tension.

Additionally, viewers who value strong acting performances and prefer films that delve deeply into characters' inner worlds will also enjoy Una. However, it is recommended that viewers who are sensitive to difficult subject matter inform themselves about the content before starting the film.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. The layered, nuanced performances of Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn are the core elements that carry the film.

2. A bold screenplay structure that preserves moral ambiguity and doesn't allow for easy judgments.

3. A claustrophobic and tense atmosphere effectively created through the use of industrial spaces.

Cons:

1. Due to its theatrical origins, the heavy dialogue in some scenes may slow down the cinematic flow.

2. Its heavy and unsettling theme makes it a production that struggles to appeal to a wide audience.

Genre and Tone

Una is positioned within the psychological drama genre, carrying elements of tension. The film's tone is heavy, tense, and introspective from beginning to end. There are almost no joyful or relaxing moments; instead, a constant sense of unease prevails.

The narrative style shifts between the past and the present, allowing the viewer to piece together information gradually. This structure is an important tool that heightens the film's tension. The use of music is kept minimal; instead, silence and natural sound design are used to reinforce the weight of the atmosphere.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film runs approximately 94 minutes, and given the intensity of the story, this length stands out as a well-judged choice. Despite its short runtime, the film leaves behind a heavy experience that lingers with the viewer for a long time.

Similar Productions

Fans of Una may also enjoy the following works, which explore similar themes and atmosphere:

• Doubt (2008) – A drama with powerful performances that explores themes of suspicion and moral ambiguity.

• Prisoners (2013) – A masterpiece that unsettles viewers with its dark themes and tension-filled atmosphere.

• The Hunt (2012) – A striking Danish production exploring themes of social judgment and individual trauma.

• Room (2015) – A powerful performance piece that deals with the struggle to hold on to life after trauma.

• Manchester by the Sea (2016) – A heavy yet deeply layered human drama carrying the traces of the past.

• The Master (2012) – A production that masterfully explores power dynamics between characters and psychological tension.

Final Assessment

Despite its disturbing subject matter, Una stands out as one of the bold and thought-provoking examples of cinematic art. The extraordinary performances of Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn, David Harrower's powerful screenplay, and Benedict Andrews's atmospheric direction come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

This film is not an easily digestible production; on the contrary, it aims to unsettle, question, and provoke thought in its viewers. With its character depth, moral complexity, and powerful performances, Una deserves a respected place among the stage adaptations that have made a mark on cinema history. It is a must-watch for viewers who are open to heavy themes and who love character-driven dramas.