A large part of the negative criticism targeted at 'The Unseen' seems to stem from a problem of perceived expectations. While the poster might make one expect a 'Sixth Sense'-esque ghost story, this is not the case, the director is more interested in exploring the central drama/theme of the grief that stems from the loss of a loved one. However, he incorporates elements of horror, the supernatural and thriller. To properly enjoy the film, one must not expect some lavish thrill ride of endless shocks and gore but rather let the film chill you with its psychological moments and creepy chills.
The film is a character-piece that brings to mind Terence Young's 'Wait Until Dark' (1967) starring Audrey Hepburn which explored a similar story of claustrophobia, blindness and isolation. Part of the film's horror does not stem from the supernatural but rather from the psychological implications of its central plot: a woman who, at certain moments, becomes temporarily blind after the death of her child. The death itself is tragic and the blindness is a terrifying conceit. This is due to the fact that we don't know when this blindness can manifest itself which leads to some pretty tense moments (e.g one moment where the main character 'Gemma' is driving on the motorway and the blindness strikes her). The idea of losing control over one's body and perception taps into a psychological horror that is more unsettling and disturbing than any movie monster.
Furthermore, the film maintains a tone of unease and discomfort that is consistent and reflects Gemma's own fragile mind-set. The Unseen shocks in the way that one might feel when the lights are turned off and it's pitch black. The film delivers on emotional drama, tapping into feelings of depression and the hollow sadness that the characters feel in the aftermath of their grief. It is compelling stuff but enjoy it for what it is not what it appears to be.
