The Unforgivable seems to tell a story of redemption and repentance. The film is not a progressive comment on criminal justice and second chances, it is more about characters who are in fact punishing.
The drama is directed by Nora Fingscheidt and starsSandra Bullock. The American version of the British series Unforgiven, which was written by Sally Wainwright, features a lead role for the actress, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance. Ruth is in a halfway house and working two blue-collar jobs to find her younger sister, who lives in a foster home with her protective parents and a new sister.
The couple that now live in the "murder house" where Ruth committed the act are central to the film. John and Liz are at odds with one another when it comes to Ruth, with John playing the sympathetic lawyer and Liz being icy and skeptical towards Ruth's intentions considering her past. Ruth was condemned by Liz as an example of moral decay. In one scene, Liz says that Ruth was sent to prison when she visited her previous home. You have to be responsible for that. John sees someone who deserves a second chance. I don't see that.
Davis was Liz Ingram. Credit: Kimberlin French
The sheriff's sons believe that Ruth has not paid her dues for the murder of their father. One brother says that she walks around free. She has a job and a guy. She lives like it never happened. Had there been no sentence, no form of justice, these words may have had an impact. After 20 years in prison, punishment is still demanded. Ruth isn't deserving of living a real life with dignity, loved ones, and opportunities according to the Whelans.
Liz sees Ruth as more than her worst act, but this is just a brief moment in a larger story, where judgement and punishment remain the focal point for each character's interactions with Ruth. The film presents a cruel life after incarceration, with the majority of characters disbelieving in both accountability and redemption. The Unforgivable doesn't dig into the path to transformation enough. The idea that someone like Ruth can create new meaning in her life following her sentence is not something that the supporting characters seem to agree with.
Few characters believe in second chances and those who do are overshadowed by revenge figures.
There was so much space to tell a more complex story that the story came to a peaceful and somewhat heart-tugging close. There is no hope for post-prison rehabilitation. There are cycles of trauma and sadness, but not dismantled. Few characters believe in second chances and those who do are overshadowed by revenge figures. Vince Cross told Ruth at one point, "You're a cop killer everywhere." Ruth is likely to never be seen as a person who can belong to society again, in one line.
Vince Cross is the parole officer for Ruth. Credit: Kimberlin French
The Unforgivable depicts aspects of Ruth's life after she was released from prison, such as her living conditions and the disdain she has for her community. This is just shown as it is, without giving any indication of what it should be. The Unforgivable was a chance to speak to the values and potential of restoration, but it was not convincing to viewers.
The Unforgivable is now available to watch.
