The film "The Way We Speak" presents an engaging drama set in a conference for thought leaders. The tale revolves around several individuals navigating intellectual battles and tussling with their personal dilemmas which could potentially undo them. Remarkably, the cast, barring the lead actor, comprises relatively lesser-known names that deliver excellent performances, effectively infusing their characters with celebrity like glamour.
A central conflict in the movie explores the divide between faith and reason. The protagonists include a writer Simon Harrington, admirably embodied by Patrick Fabian of "Better Call Saul", who after years of struggle, begins to witness some professional success. Simon is scheduled for a series of debates at the conference with George, his best friend but unfortunately, George's health forces him to withdraw. The substitute is Sarah Clawson, played by Kailey Rhodes, a young Christian author gaining popularity.
Behind the scenes, Simon’s personal life with his wife Claire, performed convincingly by Diana Coconubo, is unstable and strained. Claire is a renowned medical researcher battling cancer for several years. She remains a stronghold for Simon even as her health wanes. Simon struggles, dealing his wife’s illness, concern for his ailing friend, and his ambitions, which create a hostile attitude towards Sarah causing unpleasant reactions among other conference participants.
First time director and writer, Ian Ebright executes “The Way We Speak” skillfully. The dialogue, structure, and the cinematic tone draws comparison to works of Aaron Sorkin, notably "Steve Jobs". However, the debates between Simon and Sarah lack the expected intellectual depth in discussing much-tread topics like faith versus reason.
In contrast, the film’s strength lies in its depiction of complex human behaviors and relationships. Despite Simon's flawed and self-destructive personality, his portrayal remains alluring. Sarah's character isn’t flawless either and attributes her behavior to contact with Simon. The most sympathetic character is Claire who remains trapped in a marriage with a resentful husband.
“The Way We Speak” skillfully outlines the fragility of human nature and the consequences of ambition run amok. In its essence, it is a poignant drama about life's tribulations, the caustic effects of unchecked ambition, and the resilience of human spirit.
