Things Heard and Seen

Things Heard and Seen is a riveting supernatural thriller presented by Netflix. Released in 2021, this chilling tale features a star-studded cast that includes Amanda Seyfried, known for her versatile performances in films like Mamma Mia and Les Misérables, James Norton, who has demonstrated his acting prowess in series like Happy Valley and McMafia, and Natalia Dyer, the beloved actress from hit series Stranger Things. The movie is based on the acclaimed novel "All Things Cease to Appear" by Elizabeth Brundage.

Set in Manhattan in 1980, Things Heard and Seen is a blend of domestic drama and ghost story, a combination that enhances the terror while creating an almost unbearable tension throughout the film. Seyfried shines in her role as Catherine Claire, a complex character wrestling with her own intuition while trying to maintain her sanity in the face of disturbing occurrences.

After her husband George (James Norton) lands a job at a small college in upstate New York, the couple relocate, trading their urban life for the apparent serenity of a quiet farmhouse. Suddenly, Catherine finds herself disconnected from her previous reality and enmeshed in a new world fraught with haunting secrets and eerie experiences.

Natalia Dyer plays Willis, a native of the town who becomes a key figure in unveiling its hidden angst. The tensions within the Claire's marriage are mirrored by the spectral happenings around them, resulting in an atmosphere that is heavy with unease and ambiguity, the veil of which is painstakingly slow to lift.

Seyfried's portrayal of Catherine is commendable, skillfully rendering her character's increasing anxiety and isolation. Norton too, is exceptional in his portrayal of George as he brings out the nuances of a man trying to keep up appearances while dealing with internal and external turmoil. Dyer, on the other hand, adds to the intrigue of the plot delivering a performance that keeps the audience on their toes.

Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman directed and adapted the screenplay for Things Heard and Seen. The duo is known for their distinctive and bold narrative style, but this time they have ventured into a distinctively eerie territory. The film moves at a slow, chilly pace, gradually building an atmospheric sense of dread, while the directors skillfully play with the complexities of the characters through unraveling multiple storylines.

The intricate production design is another highlight of the film, embellishing it with an unsettling authenticity. The Smiley's old farmhouse, where most part of the movie unfolds, is depicted with oppressively dark corners and antiquated interiors, steeped in history and mystery. The subtle starkness of the rural landscape amplifies the desolate feelings that permeate through the film.

The story of Things Heard and Seen explores the themes of deception, relationships, and supernatural elements, all executed with plenty of suspense and sprinkle of horror. It raises profound questions about trust, the facades people wear, and the unknown aspects of the spiritual world. The movie leaves viewers with an opportunity to decipher the symbolism and deeper meanings within the story, keeping them engaged long after it ends.

In terms of genre, the film could be likened to slow-burning horror that takes its time to unfurl, while keeping the audience rooted in anticipation and intrigue. It fuses elements of a marital thriller with a ghost story, setting the stage for some well-earned surprises. The film's notable performances, backed by a chilling narrative and striking visuals, ensures its capacity to hold the audience gripped throughout its run.

To sum it up, Things Heard and Seen serves up a spellbinding narrative that tiptoes between reality and the supernatural, making it an irresistibly creepy viewing experience. It is a well-crafted film that benefits from a strong cast, atmospheric settings, and an engrossing and layered storyline. For lovers of complex thriller stories highlighted with a dash of horror, this movie might just hit the right spot. For others, it's a chilling exploration of a troubled marriage in a ghostly framework that's worth checking out.