"The Listener," a film that was shot during the Covid-19 pandemic, has garnered attention for its minimalist approach, subtle narratives and mesmerizing actor performances. Written by Alessandro Camon, skilled scribe of multiple known screenplays, this piece features a captivating performance by Tessa Thompson who embodies the character of a phone counselor attending to callers' issues throughout a single night. We observe a variety of personalities through voices of well-known and emerging actors but never see their faces, making the protagonist's performance crucial.
The movie embodies a softer, empathetic vibe, which stands in subtle contrast to the aggression of similar films like "Talk Radio". It intriguingly reflects and confronts the distressing societal issues during the timeline of its conception. The calls received by the protagonist portray individuals dealing with societal abandonment, oppression, and loneliness. From veterans dealing with trauma and neglect to the mentally ill distressed by a sudden break-up and loss of health insurance, the audience encounters an array of emotional narratives.
What sets "The Listener" apart is that it doesn’t delve into an excess of information or setting. The scant information aids in forming an immersive atmosphere and a gripping narrative, reminiscent more of a theatrical performance than a traditional movie. The components of the film unfold gradually, without any rush to offer the audience precise details.
Moreover, the film has largely been presented to audiences via streaming platforms in the backdrop of an array of other viewing options. Despite this, "The Listener," with its potent depiction of profound human emotions and experiences, is a film that merits the visual and auditory attention of the viewers, perhaps even more so on the big screen, as it strikes a deeper chord in the setting of a classic movie theater.
