Fact Check: Is “Unhinged” Movie Inspired by True Events? Explanation Inside

Featuring Russell Crowe and Caren Pistorius in the leading roles, the film Unhinged is produced by Lisa Ellzey, Andrew Gunn, and Mark Gill. This gripping action thriller premiered in U.S. theaters on August 21, 2020.

The official synopsis of the film describes:

“Rachel, a single mother, finds her already challenging day worsened when she honks her horn at another driver during heavy traffic. Following a brief exchange, she becomes aware that this enigmatic man is stalking her and her young son in his truck.”

It elaborates:

“What begins as a mere incident of road rage spirals into escalating terror as Rachel uncovers the dark intentions of the psychopath seeking revenge.”

Directed by Derrick Borte, Unhinged is a fictional narrative, distinctly not inspired by real-life events.

A Creative Tale by Carl Ellsworth

Unhinged tells an intense fictional tale centered around a road rage incident that spirals out of control. In an interview with Rue Morgue, writer Carl Ellsworth revealed his inspiration came from Steven Spielberg’s 1971 thriller, Duel.

During the same discussion in August 2020, Carl shared his fascination with “road rage incidents”and aimed to delve into the psychological aspects of Russell Crowe’s character:

“I wanted to depict what might be occurring in The Man’s life that could lead him to erupt at this stranger.”

He continued:

“It explores the scenario where both individuals are having a challenging day, and one just happens to trigger the other during their difficult morning.”

Carl’s impressive writing repertoire includes popular television series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, in addition to films such as Red Eye, Disturbia, Red Dawn, and The Last House on the Left.

Overview of the Plot

Unhinged illustrates the disturbing transformation of Russell Crowe’s character, Tom Cooper (referred to as “The Man”), who suffers a descent into monstrous behavior triggered by a minor traffic incident with Rachel Flynn (Caren Pistorius).

While en route to drop her son Kyle (Gabriel Bateman) at school, Rachel honks at Tom for halting at a green light during a traffic jam. When she chooses not to apologize, Tom’s anger peaks, prompting him to teach her a harsh lesson.

His retaliation escalates as he tracks down Rachel, leading to a series of violent acts against her loved ones. The situation escalates dramatically when Tom decides to target Kyle, forcing Rachel into a desperate fight for survival.

Main Cast and Characters

The key cast members of the film include:

• Russell Crowe as Tom Cooper
• Caren Pistorius as Rachel Flynn
• Gabriel Bateman as Kyle Flynn
• Jimmy Simpson as Andy
• Austin P. McKenzie as Fred
• Juliene Joyner as Mary
• Stephen Louis Grush and Leo
• Anne Leighton as Deborah Haskell
• Michael Papajohn as Homer
• Lucy Faust as Rosie
• Devyn Tyler as Mrs. Ayers
• Kriss Fortunato as Reporter
• Samantha Beaulieu as Cashier
• Donna Duplantier as Psychologist
• Vivian Fleming-Alvarez as Officer #1
• Sylvia Grace Crim as Teacher
• Andrew Morgado as Richard Flynn
• Richie Burden as Freeway Cop
• Gretchen Koerner as Neighbor
• Scheryl W Brown as Woman in Street
• Deven MacNair from Man’s Ex-Wife
• Scott Walker as News Anchor
• Brett Smrz as Window Washer

Unhinged is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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