The Sounding

The Sounding is an enthralling drama film from 2017 that successfully tests the boundaries between neuro-diversity, the fragility of human psyches, and the power of language. The film is directed by Catherine Eaton, who also features in the leading role of Liv. The storyline is inspired by Shakespeare's works, maintaining a poetic identity and exploring the relationship between human connection, communication, and freedom through an evocative narrative.

Set on the isolated coast of Maine, granddaughter and grandfather, Liv and Lionel, share a unique bond and together live a simple yet non-conformist life. Liv, having been raised without modern societal influences, has lived her entire life unable to speak. The wise Lionel, played by Harris Yulin, is her only contact with the world and his advancing illness urges him to contact beforehand a stranger, Michael, to deal with Liv's future - a neuropsychologist portrayed by Teddy Sears.

As the movie unfolds, the narrative introduces Michael as he arrives on the island. Being a trained psychologist, he takes a scientific interest in Liv's peculiar condition of chosen silence. With Lionel's advancing illness, Michael’s involvement in Liv's life takes a sharp turn as he is faced with the responsibility of her care.

Instead of attempting to bring Liv back into conformity with speech, Catherine Eaton's character devises her own unique way of communication. She begins to express herself through the language of the 16th-century bard himself, William Shakespeare, voicing her thoughts and experiences exclusively through a vast collection of Shakespeare's lines, taken from various plays. This intrigues Michael, and instead of treating her as a patient, he finds himself drawn into Liv’s world and investing time to understand this unique method of communication.

The film takes a dramatic turn when Lionel’s imminent demise transpires. With Michael's intention to get Liv institutionalized, in order to live what he perceives as a 'normal life', Liv’s insistence on her unique vocal culture of Shakespearean speeches forces society, including well-intentioned Michael, to question their preconceived notions of normalcy. It alludes subtly to the frequently-asked question of who gets to define what is a norm and what isn’t.

With Liv's committed language choice of speaking only in quotations from Shakespeare’s works, we see the profound exploration of human communication and comprehension in The Sounding. The film has been beautifully shot, making great use of the stunning landscapes of coastal Maine and setting a tone that balances perfectly with the mood of the narrative.

Catherine Eaton’s performance as Liv is compelling. She delivers the complex Shakespearean dialogues as her sole form of communication with a profound depth and the right amount of emotion. Her commitment to playing a character that defies societal norms and standards is depicted excellently. Teddy Sears also delivers a standout performance as Michael. His character's transformation from a straightforward, clinical psychologist to an individual who begins to understand and appreciate Liv's unique method of communication is presented convincingly. Harris Yulin’s contribution as Lionel cannot be overstated, playing Liv's wise and loving grandfather with a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability.

The Sounding blends together a compelling narrative and well-defined characters with an unmatched level of sophistication. The movie itself is not just about a woman who talks only in Shakespearean. It goes beyond being just a cinematic experience to an immersive, thought-provoking initiation to explore what we understand as normal and what we define as freedom.

In conclusion, The Sounding is an exceptional film that challenges societal norms and expectations while excavating deep within the human psyche. The stellar performance by the lead actors, the engrossing narrative, the spellbinding cinematography, and the deep-seated message it carries make the film an absolute must-watch. It offers a refreshing take on character narratives and stands as a unique piece of cinematic art that flips typical movie conventions on their head. This film leaves you with thoughts about individual freedom, mental health and our understanding of normalcy. It pushes you to question the world around you, a feat few movies manage to achieve but The Sounding handles with grace.