Unrest explores themes of expropriation, exploitation, and emancipation at three planes of reality. The first plane is the reality of those who experience expropriation. The second is the modes of exploitation by various actors. The third plane is the responses to the expropriation and exploitation of those seeking emancipation. The film expands these themes by examining Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Free Port or APECO in the Casiguran region of the province of Aurora in the Philippines.