Unhinged Soars to Top of Netflix Charts Amidst Mixed Reviews

Russell Crowe might not be appearing in the highly anticipated sequel to “Gladiator” set for release next month, yet his presence is strongly felt on streaming platforms this week. The 2020 psychological thriller “Unhinged,” starring Crowe, has unexpectedly risen to the top of Netflix U.S. charts, surpassing even Netflix originals and recent theater hits such as “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”

“Unhinged,” directed by Derrick Borte and written by Carl Ellsworth, tells the harrowing story of Tom Cooper, a character portrayed by Crowe. Cooper is a dangerous man who becomes entangled with single mother Rachel Flynn, played by Caren Pistorius, after a minor traffic incident escalates beyond control. This road rage thriller also stars Jimmi Simpson, Gabriel Bateman, Austin P. McKenzie, and others.

Critical reception of “Unhinged” has been mixed. The film holds a score of 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics describing it as a “small-scale movie with a throwback drive-in feel,” as noted by reviewer Brian Lowry. Despite this, audiences have provided a more favorable review, with a significantly stronger audience score of 77% on the same platform.

The film’s popularity on Netflix is particularly interesting given its release context. It was one of the first major films to hit theaters after COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns were lifted in many areas, offering moviegoers an early chance to return to the big screen. Now, more than four years later, its resurgence on a streaming platform highlights Crowe’s compelling performance as a psychopathic antagonist, ensuring the suspense never wanes.

The allure of “Unhinged” lies largely in its relentless pacing and Crowe’s portrayal of an unhinged villain bent on revenge after a routine encounter spirals out of control. The movie’s brisk 93-minute runtime ensures a tight narrative that maintains tension throughout the film.

Despite its mixed critical reception, the film remains an engaging watch, providing “disposable” yet “entertaining” thrills, according to some viewers. It does not attempt to redefine the thriller genre but instead offers a traditional approach with enough intensity to capture audience attention continuously.

For those in search of an intense, fast-paced thriller for a casual viewing experience, “Unhinged” might be a fitting choice, as evidenced by its recent surge in popularity on Netflix.