When Alice/Jennie feels pressured and leaves the bar, Tom follows to find out just what happened all those years ago and why Jennie left. As the pair are talking, an older woman named Nina (Kathy Bates) out walking her dog stumbles and the pair help her back to her apartment and her doting husband, Roger (Danny Glover). It is in talking with this couple that Tom begins to watch Jennie work her magic as she weaves yet another intricate backstory for this couple's benefit. She is so adept, in fact, that she draws Tom into her story and he falls right into step. As the night unfolds before this pair of old friends, Tom begins to see the appeal of recreating oneself and why Jennie may have done this throughout the years. Will he join Jennie on her latest journey or will he patch things up with Ramina and begin a new life in San Diego? The future is wide open...
Complete Unknown is a very quiet and introspective film. Although there are a handful of cast members, the film centers around the rather brilliant Michael Shannon and Rachel Weisz, as they reminisce and rediscover one another. The supporting cast is quite good, as well, and I always love seeing Michael Chernus whenever I can. He's just a delight.
The only special feature is an audio commentary by Director Joshua Marston, but if you are into filmmaking or just want more insight into the film, it's worth a listen.
While not for everyone, Complete Unknown is a solid drama. Weisz as the enigmatic Alice/Jennie (and others) is touching and believable (although a slight stretch as an 18-year-old), while Michael Shannon is, as always, an absolute joy to watch. If you are a fan of these actors and enjoy a mysterious drama, check out Complete Unknown.
