Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic is a one-of-a-kind independent film released in 2012, directed by Rohit Colin Rao. The movie dives into the realm of psychological drama and unique auditory experiences. Starring Silas Gordon Brigham, Sam Repshas, and Cate Buscher, the film tells an intriguing story on the boundaries of sanity, love, and paranoia.

The central character of the movie, Simon York, is portrayed by Silas Gordon Brigham. He's an inspiring music teacher from the city of Washington D.C., with a twist - Simon suffers from an uncommon auditory syndrome, hyperacusis. His condition can cause everyday sounds to be distressingly loud or painful. This leads to Simon hearing what he believes to be a disturbing 'ultrasonic' sound that others cannot perceive. As the movie progresses, we witness the struggle of an individual dealing with an internal crisis, resulting in a captivating journey into his personal world.

Playing the role of Jonas, Simon’s brother-in-law, is actor Sam Repshas. Jonas is fundamentally a down-to-earth character but is emotionally invested in Simon’s predicament due to his relationship with Simon’s sister Ruth, played by Cate Buscher. Ruth and Jonas stand as pillars of love, support, and concern for Simon; although Ruth is more understanding of Simon's condition than Jonas.

The character dynamics are intriguing, and the film does a brilliant job in executing the contrast between them and their different viewpoints. Jonas, despite initially being skeptical about Simon's condition, eventually buckles under familial love and agrees to help Simon find and silence the ultrasonic sound that appears to be plaguing him.

The premise of Ultrasonic revolves around Simon's assumption, that this uncanny noise he hears is not a symptom of his condition but a manipulation tool employed by the government for malicious purposes. This sends Simon and Jonas on an impulsive quest through the veil of the city's night scene to unravel this elusive sound, its source, and the intention behind it.

The movie artfully interweaves the threads of Simon's mind, diligently blurring the lines between paranoia and reality. The fabric of the storyline is densely packed with psychological insight, adding a level of unpredictability, and keeping the audience intrigued throughout. By uniquely tying in elements of familial bonds, love, and conspiracy theories, Ultrasonic offers a multifaceted narrative that constantly keeps you second-guessing.

Many critical aspects of the movie are worth noting. The cinematography is commendable, capturing multiple settings of the city superbly. There is a certain beauty in the way Ultrasonic uses its low-budget aesthetic to its advantage. It manifests in the form of a well-thought-out narrative reflecting off of its intriguing, complex characters, and the extraordinary use of sounds and music characteristic of its genre.

The sound design of this film is a standout, given how critical the auditory aspect is to the storyline. Clever sound engineering imitates the tormenting noises that our protagonist hears, placing viewers in his shoes and making the experience highly immersive and empathetic.

The performances by the lead cast members deliver a sense of genuineness to the narrative. Silas Gordon Brigham's portrayal of Simon effectively showcases the character's vulnerability, frustration, and determination, and Sam Repshas gives a noteworthy performance as Jonas who reluctantly gets caught up in the frenzy.

Ultrasonic is more than just a psychological thriller; it's a film that delves deep into the intricacies of the human mind, making its audience question the reality presented before them. If you're a fan of movies that seamlessly blend drama with elements of suspense, intrigue and family dynamics, then this film serves as a great pick.

In conclusion, Ultrasonic is a meticulously crafted indie film that's worth the journey for its unique storytelling, strong performances, and distinctive auditory experience. Its narrative is both engaging and disturbing, making you contemplate the corners of a mind plagued by unceasing noise and veiled with paranoia.