Cast
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Rooney Mara
as Una Spencer
Ben Mendelsohn
as Ray Brooks
Riz Ahmed
as Scott
Ruby Stokes
as young Una Spencer
Tara Fitzgerald
as Andrea
Natasha Little
as Yvonne
Tobias Menzies
as Mark
Indira Varma
as Sonia
Poppy Corby-Tuech
as Poppy
Isobelle Molloy
as Holly
Ciarán McMenamin
as John
David Shields
as Joe
Sophie Stanton
as Carol
Sydney Wade
as Amy
Grainne Keenan
as Jenny
Crew
Director
- Benedict Andrews
Producer
- Jean Doumanian
- Patrick Daly
- Maya Amsellem
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Una examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Benedict Andrews brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Una took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 433 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Una shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hero, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Una subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chicago and Rope explore similar territory, Una stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 30, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
