Russell Crowe’s ‘Unhinged’ Surges on Tubi, Captivating New Viewers

Russell Crowe’s turn as a menacing antagonist in the 2020 thriller Unhinged has found fresh momentum, as the film unexpectedly climbs into the Top 10 on Tubi’s free streaming platform. The Gladiator star’s performance, largely overlooked at the time of release, is now drawing renewed interest from viewers seeking a dose of high-stakes action.

Unhinged arrived in cinemas at a peculiar moment, premiering in August 2020 when most venues were shuttered and the world was still reeling from the pandemic’s first wave. While major studios hesitated, Solstice Studios pressed ahead with a theatrical launch, bucking the trend of direct-to-streaming debuts. The film managed to pull in $44 million globally, a modest return against its $33 million budget, especially given the circumstances. Critics, however, were not especially kind. The film’s Tomatometer rating sits at a rather uninspiring 48%, with reviewers split on its merits. Crowe’s performance as the unhinged Tom Cooper drew some praise, but the film itself was often dismissed. Variety called it

“a pulpy genre exercise that is, at times, too brutal for its own good,”

while The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged Crowe’s “unnerving” presence but lamented the

“thin” plot.

Audience Response and Streaming Success

Despite the lukewarm critical reception, audiences have responded quite differently. The film’s audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a robust 77%, suggesting a clear divide between critics and the public. For many, the film’s relentless pace and Crowe’s chilling portrayal have proven irresistible, especially for those with a taste for action thrillers in the vein of Jason Statham or Tom Cruise.

Unhinged follows Tom Cooper, a man whose simmering rage boils over after a minor altercation at a set of traffic lights. His fixation on single mother Rachel, played by Caren Pistorius, quickly spirals into a campaign of terror. What begins as a petty row escalates into a harrowing ordeal, with Cooper’s mental state deteriorating and Rachel’s day turning into a nightmare.

Real-World Resonance

What gives Unhinged its particular edge is the unsettling plausibility of its premise. In an era where road rage incidents frequently make headlines and viral clips, the film’s depiction of a seemingly ordinary encounter gone horribly wrong feels all too familiar. Crowe’s portrayal of a man driven by a trivial grudge is both intense and disturbingly believable, blurring the line between action and psychological horror.

Since its arrival on Tubi, Unhinged has found a new lease of life. Viewers have embraced its raw energy and nerve-shredding suspense, propelling it up the streaming charts. The film’s success on the platform highlights the enduring appeal of tightly wound thrillers, especially those that tap into everyday anxieties.