‘The Unheard’ Review – A Good Premise Hindered By A Disappointing Execution

Directed By: Jeffery A. Brown

Starring: Lachlan Watson, Nick Sandow

Plot Summary: After undergoing an experimental procedure to restore her damaged hearing, 20-year-old Chloe Grayden (Lachlan Watson, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”) begins to suffer from auditory hallucinations seemingly related to the mysterious disappearance of her mother.

Lately, there has been a wealth of amazing films that truly highlight and represent the deaf community. Sound of Metal and CODA scored big with critics and brought a level of sensitivity and awareness to the subject. It is always of interest when we hear about a horror movie with a deaf character at the center. Now, this is nothing new. In fact, Mike Flanagan did this extremely well in his 2016 horror thriller, Hush. Sadly, Jeffery A. Brown’s The Unheard doesn’t reach the same tension filled heights as that effort.

To give credit where it’s due, the first half of The Unheard does an excellent job of establishing Chloe as a relatable and likable character. We are firmly on their side, and therefore it’s quite easy to invest in the narrative. Brown also does a solid job of building the tension and weaving a decent mystery. This aspect comes in the form of Chloe’s mom disappearing mysteriously. However, things quickly start to fall apart with a sluggish second act that feels like it fails to recapture the momentum built early on. Even those who enjoy slow burn horror are likely to feel bored by a large chunk of this movie. Of course, the finale does give the movie an injection of much needed action, but it feels too little, too late. You hold out hope that the mother subplot will end with some really cool reveal. Nope, things just sort of fizzle out, and it leaves you feeling deeply unsatisfied.

One aspect of this film that is overall very good is the acting. The standouts being, of course, Lachlan Watson. Watson is a big reason why many will choose to seek out this movie out, and for good reason. While there are no sour performances, Watson really does carry this movie. The other standout is Nick Sandow, who manages to do a lot with his underwritten character. The Orange is the New Black actor really does make his screen time dazzle. He brings a level of menace and charm that always keeps you guessing about his character. It was also nice seeing Brendan Meyer, who cult fans will know from his work in The Guest and 2019’s Color Out of Space. Meyer is engaging as hell and plays well off of his co-stars.

The film is also nicely shot, and the visual aspects of The Unheard are well crafted. Even with its failings, you cannot deny that a lot of thought and craft went into evoking a certain mood. Not to mention, this has a really nice score and a haunting soundscape. This sets the mood, but beyond that it works on a thematic level, which is very smart.

There is a good movie here somewhere. Now, Brown is by no means a bad director. In fact, the first act does a great job at developing its world-building. Visually, the movie also has a lot going for it and leaves you with a nice, eerie feeling. Then, you have the mystery angle which further gets you hooked. This is not to last though, and whatever good will that is built in the first act is quickly dismantled with a muddled and frankly boring plot. Not to mention, it is filled with characters that feel like first draft material at best. It’s always deeply disappointing that a movie with a good hook feels like such a letdown.

The Unheard is currently available to stream on Shudder. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EkDhn694Zk]