UNA

The long-term psychological scarring of child abuse is showcased in this emotionally powerful drama.

The story unfolds as Una (Rooney Mara) tracks down Ray (Ben Mendelsohn), a much older man who 15 years earlier sexually abused her as a 13 year old girl. Is she out for revenge or does she want to see how his life has panned out? Or does she mystifyingly want to rekindle a relationship?

Through flashbacks the story unravels and it becomes clear that the two shared a mutual love. Imprisoned for unlawful sex with a minor, he commences a new life with a new identity and family upon release.

Lengthy conversations between the two leads unveil significant aspects of their relationship, but also compound to an exhausting and seemingly drawn out film.

Performances are flawless in a film which has a frustratingly inept conclusion and seems to evoke more questions than answers – does Ray’s life take a downturn as a result of her re-emergence and does Una ultimately exit Ray’s life?

This film should leave audiences pondering who was the most traumatized – the man who had illicit sex or the impressionable young girl who fell in love with her abuser? (MMo)

★★★

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