Audible

Audible is an evocative short documentary that debuted on Netflix in 2021, featuring the compelling life of Amaree McKenstry-Hall. The film serves as a captivating window into the world of the hearing impaired, where silence becomes a powerful language and sound takes on new dimensions.

Directed by Matthew Ogens, renowned for his knack for digging into the depth of human stories, the film paints a poignant picture of high school life in the Maryland School for the Deaf. Scripted in a docu-drama style that blends harsh realities and poetic narratives, Audible provides groundbreaking insight into the world of the deaf community, a space where words go unspoken, but meanings are profound.

The film follows the life of senior and football team member, Amaree McKenstry-Hall, who embodies courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His remarkable story, caught between the throes of youth and the challenges imposed by his environment, forms the heart of this emotionally stirring narrative. The movie interweaves snippets from McKenstry-Hall's personal life - brimming with teenage passion, familial love, shared dreams and the battles against the odds. His personal journey serves as an emblem of strength and ambition, even when life presents the most unfathomable challenges.

Apart from the spotlight on McKenstry-Hall, Audible masterfully provides glimpses into the lives of other students, their day-to-day experiences, and their unwavering commitment to overcoming their shared limitations. The narrative showcases an admirable spirit of solidarity among the students - a testament to their tenacity and determination, mirrored in their sportsmanship spirit and shared connections.

The emotive storytelling is bolstered by the innovative use of sound effects that play a pivotal role in illuminating the unique sensory experiences of the students. By oscillating between the energizing crowd noise at football games and the stark silence in the hallways, the audience is offered an unparalleled insight into how sound or absence thereof molds the students' world.

The cinematography of Audible deserves special mention, as remarkable camera angles and visual tones harmoniously represent hope and despair, ambition, and obstacle, youth, and wisdom. The film's brilliance lies in its elegant balance of visual storytelling, combining moments that are intimate and fragile with those that are bold and determined, crafting an unforgettable experience for the viewers.

Ogens skillfully incorporates sign language throughout the movie, a significant statement on the unique communication within the deaf community. While it is the primary language of the characters on screen, subtitles ensure accessibility to a wider audience. It is a bold step in mainstreaming a language that is as rich and expressive as spoken words, if not more.

In essence, the documentary offers more than an hour spent watching an immersive exploration into the deaf community, the free-flowing narrative, the heartfelt inspiration that emanates from each scene, and the indomitable human spirit that underscores the entire narrative, make it a profoundly moving experience. Besides, the movie also introduces the audience to broader issues such as diversity, inclusion, and empathy by broaching a conversation around deafness that's seldom explored in mainstream media.

Audible hits home the immutable truth that life’s challenges, no matter how insurmountable, are not walls but hurdles that can be surmounted if tackled with willpower, courage, and faith. McKenstry-Hall, who forms the pulse of the narrative, is a beacon of resilience that lights up the movie, making it a beautiful exploration of strength and determination.

Audible captivates the viewer, not only with its exquisite narrative or impressive technical aspects, but mainly because of the raw, emotional journey of humanity it encapsulates. It simultaneously enlightens and causes one to introspect, making it an absolute must-watch. The movie is a luminous beacon in the ocean of cinema that underscores the power of human spirit and the ability to rise above one's circumstances, changing the way the world perceives deafness, one frame at a time.