Atmospheric Tale of Obsession and Isolation

Read Time:4 Minute, 27 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Voices Carry
–

Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Abby Brenker, Ellyn Vander Wyden
Writer(s): Abby Brenker, Ellyn Vander Wyden
Cast: Gia Crovatin, Nicole Fragala, Geraldine Singer, Jeremy Holm, Dana Berger, Dwayne Hill, Robert Aberdeen, Jeff Ayars, Alexandra Rey
Where To Watch: shown at Cinequest 2025

RAVING REVIEW: VOICES CARRY is an indie thriller by writer-directors Abby Brenker and Ellyn Vander Wyden. Set against the eerie tranquility of a New Hampshire lake and home, the film laces a character-driven psychological drama that explores the weight of the past and how it seeps into the present. It’s a slow-burn, atmospheric story that embraces mood and suspense over conventional horror tropes, blending human drama and mystery.

Sam (Gia Crovatin) and Jack (Jeff Ayars) leave the city behind in search of a fresh start, relocating from Boston to Sam’s childhood home, a house perched beside a picturesque lake. The change of scenery promises a new start, but life rarely allows things to be that easy. Sam, struggling with her career, is haunted by memories she thought she had left behind. Jack, while supportive, seems increasingly distanced as Sam’s focus shifts from their relationship to something lurking in the past. The film quickly establishes an uneasy tension that doesn’t rely on jump scares but builds gradually through unspoken fears, coincidences, and an ever-growing sense of isolation.

The couple’s neighbor, Henry (Jeremy Holm,) only adds to the unease. He’s lived in the area for years, deeply embedded in its history, and his presence feels familiar and comforting to Sam yet also intrusive all at the same time. The film's psychological elements deepen when Sam stumbles upon an old necklace and diary that she believes belonged to her late mother. The past no longer feels like something left behind but something reaching out, demanding her attention. The discovery shifts the narrative into a place where reality and the supernatural blur, leaving the characters and the audience questioning what’s real and what exists only in the mind.

One of the film's most striking aspects is its commitment to time and place. The decision to shoot over an entire year adds an authenticity rarely seen in independent productions. New Hampshire’s shifting seasons become an extension of Sam’s unraveling psyche, with the vibrancy of the fall giving way to the bleakness and isolating grasp of winter. As Sam’s emotional state deteriorates, her connection to the lake becomes more pronounced, culminating in chilling sequences, as if something unseen is pulling her toward the water.

The lake is breathtaking and ominous, its glassy surface holding secrets. Wide shots capture the desolation of winter, while close-ups linger on Sam’s growing paranoia. The film frames its characters within this setting, adding to the sense of isolation making the house, the trees, and the water feel like silent witnesses to something just out of reach.

Performance-wise, the film delivers a strong, grounded cast. Crovatin embodies Sam’s inner turmoil with a balance of vulnerability and resolve, exploring her struggle. The supporting performances, particularly from their neighbor, enhance the film’s atmosphere. An understated chemistry among the cast makes even the quietest moments feel weighted with tension.

The pacing leans into a slow-burn structure, which may not work for audiences expecting traditional horror pacing. Instead of overt scares, the film draws tension from the atmosphere, characters, and an overarching dread. This is why it bothers me so much when people try to say horror and thrillers are interchangeable. This approach works in its favor, allowing the story to build.

VOICES CARRY excels in its ability to make the past feel alive, not just in a ‘ghostly’ sense, but as something ever-present, shaping identity and influencing the choices made in the present. It doesn’t bombard the audience with exposition, instead letting its themes emerge through visual storytelling and restrained performances. Its vivid setting, strong performances, and commitment to capturing an authentic sense of time and place make it a solid entry into the psychological thriller genre.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of MCM CREATIVE, THE LUNATICS PROJECT, THE UNITY GROUP]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.