Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis star in the new Netflix drama The Unforgivable which tells an intense story of punishment, redemption, and understanding. It is a complex tale about a woman released from prison after years and attempting to reconnect with the world she left behind.
With all the various themes the story touches on, it is interesting to see the different kinds of movies that come to mind when watching The Unforgivable. Through similar characters, motivations, and circumstances, this collection of other great movies is perfect for any viewers that enjoyed The Unforgivable.
Ocean's 8 (2018)
In Ocean's 8. Immediately, it is clear that this movie has a much different tone from The Unforgivable, however, it is interesting that both movies begin with Bullock being released from prison.
Regardless of the difference in intensity, there are a lot of similarities between Bullock's two characters. She makes for an ex-con audience can cheer for as she takes a somewhat rebellious stance in reclaiming her life before prison.
American History X (1998)
Part of the reason Bullock's character of Ruth is sympathetic despite the crime she was imprisoned for is her obvious love for her sister. Once she is released from prison, she dedicates herself to once again trying to protect her sister.
It is a hard-to-watch movie but very powerful as well.
Sling Blade (1996)
Something that is explored in The Unforgivable is how Ruth is unable to escape the crime that has come to define her. Though she has served her time in prison, she is told that she will always be a convict no matter what she does.
This is explored in Sling Blade as well. Billy Bob Thorton gives a transformative performance as an intellectually disabled man who is released from an institution after committing a murder when he was a young boy. Though he tries to continue on with his life, he is seen by some as a monster.
Blindspotting (2018)
There is an interesting relationship within The Unforgivable between Ruth and her co-worker Blake (Jon Bernthal). It is revealed that both characters are on parole, struggling to stay out of trouble and yet drawn to a shared connection that could mean trouble for them.
Blindspotting is an engrossing and complex story about a young man also on parole. Though it is a very complex story, the central relationship between the young man and his friend who makes staying out of trouble more difficult is a fascinating one.
We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)
The movie also explores the impact a crime like this can have on a community. As she tries to start over, Ruth is continuously made an outcast, neglected, and even abused by those angry with her actions. It is interesting how the audience can understand the reaction of these people while also having sympathy for Ruth.
We Need to Talk About Kevin touches on similar issues as Tilda Swinton stars as a mother of a troubled young man who commits a terrible crime. As her community remains in shock, the mother must face the victims and their reactions towards her.
Shot Caller (2017)
While The Unforgivable doesn't explore Ruth's life inside prison, it does touch on how prison can change a person for the worse. It is clear that Ruth faced a lot of trouble inside and was forced to build a tough exterior. When released, she is likely an angrier person than when she went inside.
The very underrated thriller movie Shot Caller explores this idea in greater detail. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays a successful man whose one mistake puts him in prison where he is turned into a ruthless gangster in order to survive.
The Mustang (2019)
Redemption and forgiveness are other big themes in The Unforgivable, but they are dealt with in an interesting way. Ruth is such an internalized character that she isn't comfortable sharing her desire for redemption because she is afraid of being rejected.
There is a similar journey of the main character in the drama The Mustang. It follows a criminal who s a horse-riding program in prison, working to tame an unruly horse. Eventually, his attempts to break this horse mirror his own desire for rehabilitation.
In The Bedroom (2001)
The Unforgivable also looks at how a crime can have lasting impacts on multiple people. Ruth is the main focus of the story as she deals with the direct consequences of the crime, but there is also her sister who deals with the suffered trauma from the event as well as the victim's family who continue to deal with it years later.
In the Bedroom is another intense and powerful story that explores the ramifications of a murder. While focusing on the loved ones left behind, these characters also follow similar paths of anger, guilt, and vengeance.
He Got Game (1998)
The Unforgivable's story of someone getting out of prison and attempting to reconnect with people from their old lives is a compelling one. Ruth is faced with her past mistakes and making that connection she once had hard to recreate. It is a similar story as seen in He Got Game.
Spike Lee delivered one of his best movies starring Denzel Washington as a man given the chance for early release from prison if he can convince his basketball superstar son to play for a certain college. It is an interesting approach to a father-son story with a terrific performance from Washington.
Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)
The Unforgivable takes a compelling turn in the third act when the truth about the crime is revealed and the audience begins to understand just how much Ruth sacrificed for her sister and why it is so heartbreaking for her to see her loved one living a different life now that Ruth is released.
This follows a similar story in David Lowrey's Ain't Them Bodies Saints. Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara star as a couple of criminals. When they are caught, he takes the blame and goes to prison while she is allowed to be free. After breaking out of prison years later, he is faced with the new life she is living without him.
