Una

Una, a dramatic thriller released in 2016, delves deep into the neglected corners of emotional trauma and the long-lasting effects it can inflict on the psyche. Directed by Benedict Andrews in his striking feature film debut, the screenplay is adapted from David Harrower’s lauded stage play 'Blackbird'. Starring Ruby Stokes, Rooney Mara, and Riz Ahmed, Una unearths layers of complex emotions with its powerful narrative and rich performances.

At the heart of the plot is the titular character, Una, portrayed by Mara with a grit and vulnerability that is as riveting as it is unsettling. Una, a woman weighed by the harrowing experiences of her past, sets out on a journey to confront the shadows that have held her captive for years. The film employs a delicate balance of past reflections and present actions, using the young Una's life, convincingly played by Ruby Stokes, to exert a compelling pull through the narrative.

Riz Ahmed infuses drama into the narrative with his powerful performance as Scott, a character entangled in Una's life in a manner that illuminates the multilayered narrative. The steady back-and-forths between the carefully constructed characters and the interplay of past and present render each relationship in the movie richly complex and convincingly credible.

Director Benedict Andrews manifests an undeniable mastery over the visual language of cinema in Una. Navigating the complex and sensitive subject matter, the narrative doesn't shy away from the disturbing aspects of the story, yet masterfully avoids turning exploitative. The storytelling is raw, visceral, and hyper-focused on characters and their skewed relational dynamics. Andrews' direction echoes the sense of discomfort, imbuing the film with a recurring sense of unease which is intelligently utilized to keep the audience engaged and invested.

The sharp, absorbing screenplay forms one of the film's strongest suits. Adapted from a stage play, the narrative structure manages to escape the feel of a confined stage production and explores the subject matter through the wider canvas of cinema. David Harrower, who also penned the original play, ensures the psychologically charged dynamics present in the theatrical version find their way into the film. With thematic elements such as trauma, suppressed memories, and fractured identities being deftly handled, the screenplay takes its time to build on each character and their individual narrative arcs.

The cinematography, though restrained, accentuates the emotional heft of the narrative. It utilizes the visual medium to portray the emotional turmoil of the characters, often choosing somber, moody lighting to reflect the dismal reality of Una's life. The technical finesse of the film, right from the intelligent camera movements to the exquisitely somber color palette, contributes to an immersive cinematic experience.

Complementing the narrative are the performances delivered by the cast, each bringing their characters to life with sincerity and empathy. Rooney Mara’s portrayal of Una is hauntingly memorable. Her performance echoes with a raw, understated pain that reflects the devastating emotional aftermath of her character's experiences. Ruby Stokes, as the young Una, gives a heartbreaking performance, infusing a sense of innocence into the narrative. On the other side, Riz Ahmed effortlessly delivers a grounded performance, bringing a complicated character to life and contributing to the film's emotionally charged atmosphere.

Una, however, is not an easy watch. It is a film that submerges you into a world of discomfort, navigating the treacherous path of trauma and accountability with a harsh realism. The heavy themes it deals with might not appeal to all viewers, but it is undeniably an exceptional piece of cinema, made even more compelling by the sheer intensity of the performances and the nuanced approach towards a sensitive subject matter.

Overall, Una from 2016 is a deeply affecting movie, which uses the transformative power of cinema to stir questions about memory, trauma, redemption, and emotional confrontation. This dramatic thriller, bursting with raw, gut-wrenching performances and a well-crafted narrative, beckons the brave-hearted viewer to tread into the murky depths of human emotions. It is a raw exploration of trauma, memories, and the unquiet past that haunts the present.