Unseen (2023)

Genre: Thriller | Survival | Crime
Directed by: Yoko Okumura
Starring: Midori Francis, Jolene Purdy, Michael Patrick Lane
Studio: Blumhouse Television | MGM+ | Paramount
Runtime: 76 minutes

In an era where thrillers often stretch their stories thin, Unseen keeps things refreshingly tight and laser-focused. Directed by Yoko Okumura, this tense and stripped-down survival thriller brings together two unlikely heroines in a high-stakes, real-time race against death—proving you don’t need a big budget to deliver genuine suspense and heartfelt moments.

The film follows Emily (Midori Francis), a nearly blind woman being hunted in the woods by her violent ex-boyfriend. Disoriented and desperate, she makes a misdialed video call that connects her to Sam (Jolene Purdy), a timid gas station clerk struggling with her own self-worth.

Despite being hundreds of miles apart, Sam becomes Emily’s eyes—guiding her through the forest via video chat, directing her away from danger and helping her survive. As the two women work together, the connection becomes more than just technological—it becomes deeply emotional and empowering for both.

Midori Francis is magnetic as Emily, portraying vulnerability without helplessness. Her physicality and emotional range make you root for her from the first frame.

Jolene Purdy, meanwhile, provides the emotional anchor of the film. As the nervous but warm-hearted Sam, she evolves beautifully from passive bystander to active savior. Their chemistry—though entirely virtual—is surprisingly strong, making their bond feel authentic and urgent.

Yoko Okumura’s feature debut is confident and cleverly crafted. With a runtime of just over 75 minutes, she wastes no time, launching straight into the suspense while building tension through creative visual storytelling—split screens, mobile camera perspectives, and real-time editing keep the format dynamic.

Despite the confined premise, the film never feels repetitive or cheap. It uses its limitations to its advantage, keeping the audience tightly locked into the tension.

Beneath its survival-thriller setup, Unseen tackles relevant and emotional themes:

• Isolation and connection in a digital world

• Empowerment through empathy

• Surviving abuse and reclaiming control

• The power of strangers helping each other in unexpected ways

• Unique concept with a modern twist

• Excellent chemistry between the two leads

• Fast-paced and emotionally engaging

• Tight editing and strong visual style

• Empathetic portrayal of anxiety, trauma, and courage

• Some minor plot conveniences

• Predictable antagonist and underdeveloped villain

• The short runtime leaves a few character arcs wanting more depth

Unseen is a lean, effective survival thriller with heart. With standout performances from Midori Francis and Jolene Purdy, it proves that suspense doesn't require spectacle—it requires stakes, emotion, and strong characters.

For fans of tightly wound thrillers like Run, Searching, or Fall, Unseen is absolutely worth seeing.