In a World... 2013

Don LaFontaine, famously known as “The Voice” of trailers, passes away at the age of 68. In the competitive world of voiceovers, only five voices dominate the industry, recording an astonishing 60 trailers each week—with some performing as many as 35 recordings in a single day. During an archival interview, Don is referred to as the voice of God, capturing the awe of many in the business.

As the story unfolds, we meet Katherine Huling (Geena Davis), a film producer who is working on a quadrilogy featuring female mutant Amazons aimed at a tween audience. With the voiceover competition heating up, Sam Sotto (Fred Melamed) and Gustav Warren (Ken Marino), both contemporaries of Don, engage in a battle for the coveted trailer voiceover role. Sam, with his inflated sense of self, believes he is just as talented as Don and sees himself as a mentor to the young, wealthy Gustav.

Amid this tension, we meet Louis (Demetri Martin), a young and introverted man who operates a sound mixing studio, Sound Mix-a-Lot, with Heners (Nick Offerman) and Cher (Tig Notaro). He finds himself entangled with Nancy (Stephanie Allynne), the studio receptionist who has a crush on Sam’s autobiography, as well as Carol Solomon (Lake Bell), the daughter of Sam, who does dialect coaching and lives with her father due to financial struggles.

Carol’s aspiration to achieve voiceover work is met with paternal discouragement, as her father, Sam, insists that the voiceover field is dominated by men, leaving her dreams feeling stifled. Despite being reminded of her limitations, Carol stubbornly contemplates her potential and begins developing an impressive voice archive.

When the opportunity arises for her to coach Eva Longoria (playing herself), Carol’s journey takes unexpected turns. As she attempts to navigate her complex relationships with her father and her sister Dani (Michaela Watkins), she faces societal pressures, sibling rivalry, and the burden of unfulfilled expectations.

The film explores the notion of family dynamics, particularly how they can both uplift and hinder one’s progress. As Sam prepares for a voiceover party, he grapples with his own insecurities, dismissing Carol’s achievements while seeking recognition for his own.

The story takes a turn when Gustav, unaware of Carol’s identity, attempts to downplay her success, resulting in a heated confrontation that intertwines their fates. Carol’s journey leads her to unexpected romantic entanglements and personal revelations as she stumbles through the confusion of adulthood, relationships, and the quest for professional validation.

In a climactic moment, Carol blossoms into a prominent voice in the industry when she lands a coveted trailer job, ultimately leading to the phrase that every voiceover artist aims to say: “In a world…” She aims to resonate as a powerful female voice in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The narrative reinforces themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of finding one’s voice in spite of the odds. Through laughter, heartbreak, and triumph, the characters navigate their roles within both family and their careers. In the end, Carol takes on a new role as a voice coach, encouraging other women to embrace their authentic voices, leading to personal empowerment.

The film culminates in a heartfelt conclusion at the Golden Trailer Awards, where familial support is redefined and relationships are mended, reminding everyone that in the end, family is what truly matters. With a focus on celebrating female voices, the film sends a powerful message that resonates beyond the screen.