MOVIE REVIEW
The Listener
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Steve Buscemi
Writer(s): Alessandro Camon
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Logan Marshall-Green, Derek Cecil, Margaret Cho, Blu Del Barrio, Ricky Velez, Alia Shawkat, Jamie Hector, Casey Wilson, Bobby Soto, Rebecca Hall
Where To Watch: releases in select theaters and VOD on March 29, 2024 via Vertical

RAVING REVIEW: In the hush of the evening, when most of the world goes silent, there's a solitary voice from an apartment window—a sign of life, but more significantly, a sign of connection. Under Steve Buscemi's thoughtful direction after a notable break from the director chair, THE LISTENER delves into themes of solitude, empathy, and the transformative power of simply listening. With Tessa Thompson as the lead Beth, the film navigates through the intricacies of human connections in a whisper-quiet and incredibly potent manner. It's a journey that doesn't just capture your attention; it invites you into a world both intimate and universally resonant, speaking volumes in hushed tones about the power of understanding and the human need for connection.

Set against a world grappling with the pandemic without making it blatantly obvious, THE LISTENER weaves its narrative with a delicate hand, ensuring the global crisis enhances rather than overpowers the storyline. Beth's living space transforms into a crossroad of human emotions, where each phone call she receives adds to a bag of emotions and shared experiences. These encounters are scripted with a finesse that invites viewers to become silent witnesses to the stories unfolding in the dead of night.

The screenplay, penned by Alessandro Camon, is a nuanced exploration of emotional landscapes. It clears clichés and immerses the audience in the genuine connections formed through the phone line. The film's ability to make each conversation reflect shared humanity is one of its most compelling features. From the powerful to the unsettling, these calls are often a cry for help in many different ways.

Thompson’s embodiment of Beth is a study in the art of subtlety, offering a performance that resonates with empathy and strength. The film's ensemble of voices, including contributions from Logan Marshall-Green, Margaret Cho, and many more, enriches the narrative, ensuring every interaction reflects the complex beauty of human connection.

THE LISTENER's deliberate pacing and minimalist approach amplify its central theme: listening as a healing act. This choice of setting and storytelling technique highlights the emotional and psychological depths of the interactions. This style of film won’t be for everyone; some people simply want more out of an experience, but the payoff is well worth the wait, in my opinion.

THE LISTENER stands out as a poignant exploration of what it means to be human in an era of isolation and digital noise. It underscores the often-underestimated importance of being there for others, showcasing Buscemi's and Thompson's dedication to a story as meaningful as it is quietly compelling.

Buscemi’s reflection on the creative process sheds light on the intricate challenge of centering a film around a single character’s interactions with the unseen and unheard. It's a testament to the team's ability to create a movie that’s both a narrative and a sensory experience, highlighting the inherent power of listening and its impact on both the listener and the speaker.

THE LISTENER is an invitation—a gentle nudge to pause and consider the profound effects of genuinely listening to someone. In a narrative filled with empathy, reflection, and understanding, it serves as a much-needed reminder of the value of being seen and acknowledged. Through the simple act of listening, THE LISTENER emerges as a heartfelt ode to the connections that sustain us, offering a quiet yet powerful commentary on the importance of empathy in a world that sometimes feels overwhelmingly indifferent.

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[photo courtesy of VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT]

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