The phrase "unvarnished look" means a transparent and honest view or portrayal, without any attempt to hide or disguise flaws or shortcomings. Full definition
Though Hollywood has tackled America's legacy of slavery before, it has rarely done so with as visceral a combination of strong visuals, masterful performances and, most importantly, a screenplay that takes an unflinching and unvarnished look at out country's antebellum past. (chrisreedfilm.com)
«Dense, dark and seemingly impenetrable, Grimes» landscapes are a mix of realism and abstract expressionism, the kind of unvarnished look one could imagine coming at the break of day through the eyes of an inchoate creature.» (bluemountaingallery.org)
Instead, it's an affectionate but unvarnished look at life with three aging cats, complete with discussions of trips to the vet, cat food preferences, poop and litter boxes, and the disruptive effect that lounging cats have on the work life of an overworked manga artist. (goodereader.com)