The Unforgivable cast features Sandra Bullock, Vincent D’Onofrio and Jon Bernthal. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Nora Fingscheidt’s 2021 Netflix movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

Based on Sally Wainwright’s TV series, The Unforgiven follows a woman who serves 20 years in prison for murdering a police officer. When Ruth Slater begins a new life in Seattle, she experiences conflict with co-workers while trying to locate her sister. Meanwhile, two brothers seek revenge for the death of their father. Here’s every main player in The Unforgivable.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Senior Year’

The Unforgivable Cast: Sandra Bullock as Ruth Slater

Character Profile: A Seattle woman who tries to rebuild her life after 20 years in prison. She struggles at work because of her reputation as a cop killer. Ruth hopes to reunite with her sister who has seemingly blocked her childhood memories of a “murder house” in Snohomish, Washington.

Bullock’s Resume: Annin in Speed (1994), Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality (2000), Ryan Stone in Gravity (2013), Debbie Ocean in Ocean’s Eight (2018), Malorie in Bird Box (2018)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Along for the Ride’

The Unforgivable Cast: Viola Davis as Liz Ingram

Character Profile: The wife of a Seattle lawyer and a mother of two children. She lives in Ruth’s former home. Liz confronts Bullock’s character and learns crucial information about her backstory.

Davis’ Resume: Mrs. Miller in Doubt (2008), Aibileen Clark in The Help (2011), Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder (2014-20), Amanda Waller in the DCEU (2016-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Toscana’

The Unforgivable Cast: Vincent D’Onofrio as John Ingram

Character Profile: Liz’s husband. He befriends Ruth and agrees to help her reunite with her sister. John worries about his client’s volatile personality.

D’Onofrio’s Resume: Private Pyle in Full Metal Jacket (1987), Edgar in Men in Black (1997), Carl Stargher in The Cell (2000), Robert Goren in Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011), Vincent Gigante in Godfather of Harlem (2019-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘A Perfect Pairing’

The Unforgivable Cast: Jon Bernthal as Blake

Character Profile: Ruth’s co-worker and love interest. He’s an ex-convict who plays in a band and offers help. Blake informs co-workers about Ruth’s past.

Bernthal’s Resume: Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead (2010-18), Brad in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Matt Rayburn in Wind River (2017), Frank Castle/Punisher in The Punisher (2017-19), Rick Maccci in King Richard (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Heartstopper’

The Unforgivable Cast: Richard Thomas as Michael Malcolm

Character Profile: The adoptive father of Ruth’s sister. He agrees to meet Bullock’s character but doesn’t understand her intentions. Michael threatens Ruth with legal action after an upsetting conversation.

Thomas’ Resume: John-Boy Walton in The Waltons (1972-78), Jimmy J. in September 30, 1955 (1977), Bill Denbrough in It (1990), Frank Gaad in The Americans (2013-16), Bodie Lord in Tell Me Your Secrets (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Russian Doll’

The Unforgivable Cast: Linda Emond as Rachel Malcolm

Character Profile: Michael’s wife. She doesn’t believe that her adopted daughter, Katie, should learn about Ruth. Rachel hides letters that were written from Bullock’s character to her sister over the course of 20 years.

Edmond’s Resume: Simone Beck in Julie & Julia (2009), Esther Messner in Indignation (2016), Dr. Cunningham in The Big Sick (2017), Connie Clark in Lodge 49 (2018-19), Michelle-Anne Vanderhoven in Succession (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Taming of the Shrewd’

The Unforgivable Cast: Aisling Franciosi as Katherine Malcolm

Character Profile: Ruth’s sister; Michael and Rachel’s daughter. She’s a pianist who remembers a traumatic incident from her childhood. Katherine’s climactic piano performance links to a subplot involving Ruth and the son of her alleged victim.

Franciosi’s Resume: Kate Crawford in Legends (2015), Katie Benedetto in The Fall (2013-16), Lyanna Stark in Game of Thrones (2016-17), Clare in The Nightingale (2018), Young Dessa in I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Choose or Die’

*

The Unforgivable cast also includes Emma Nelson (Where’d You Go, Bernadette), Will Pullen (The Americans, Dickinson), Tom Guiry (The Sandlot, Mystic River), Jessica McLeod (You Me Her, One of Us Is Lying), Rob Morgan (Stranger Things, Mudbound), Andrew Francis (Final Destination 3, The Invisible) and W. Earl Brown (There’s Something About Mary, Deadwood).

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.