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Drama

Murmur (2019): Cast & Ratings

Murmur (2019) movie poster

Murmur is a 2019 drama directed by Heather Young, starring Shan MacDonald as Donna and Andria Edwards. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes. Its Echo Score is 75/100.

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Murmur (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Director
Heather Young
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Murmur About?

The premise of Murmur without spoilers.

After being convicted of impaired driving and sentenced to community service, Donna finds herself working at an animal shelter. When she learns an elderly dog is scheduled for euthanasia, she brings him home, finding comfort in his companionship and easing her loneliness. Feeling a void in her life, Donna begins to take in more animals, quickly finding herself overwhelmed by the growing number of pets and the challenges they bring.

Murmur Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • toronto international film festival
  • dog
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Cast & crew

Murmur Cast & Characters

Shan MacDonald leads the cast as Donna, with Andria Edwards as Crystal. Directed by Heather Young.

From the director

More from Heather Young

One more film directed by Heather Young: Milk.

Full filmography
Ratings

Murmur Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

75 /100

Murmur Echo Score Breakdown

The film offers a hushed, observational portrait of an isolated woman whose bond with rescued animals gives her fragile comfort. Critics commend the deliberate pacing, subtle direction, and emotionally resonant performances, while audience remarks note modest production values and a plain narrative that limit visual impact. The story’s sincerity and nuanced mood appeal to viewers who appreciate understated drama, though technical roughness and a straightforward plot temper its lasting replay appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film demonstrates a restrained visual style that serves its intimate narrative. Critics highlight the subtle composition and measured pacing as signs of thoughtful craftsmanship, whereas some viewers point to uneven lighting and low‑budget sound as detracting factors. The overall execution reflects a modest but purposeful aesthetic, delivering a coherent visual tone despite technical constraints.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to acting and emotional depth, the performances are consistently noted for their nuance. Critics emphasize the lead’s vulnerable portrayal and the poignant chemistry between the protagonist and the rescued animals, describing the character work as quietly powerful. Even non‑professional actors receive praise for authenticity, though a few viewers find the portrayals merely adequate. Overall, the character work lifts the film’s emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The narrative unfolds at a deliberately measured pace, focusing on daily routines and the protagonist’s isolation. Critics commend the compassionate storytelling and the film’s ability to render a seemingly simple plot with emotional weight. Audience comments, however, describe the story as plain and occasionally meandering, suggesting a lack of structural complexity. Nevertheless, the core premise remains engaging for viewers attuned to subtle, character‑driven tales.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory elements such as sound design and visual texture receive mixed feedback. Critics note a subtle score and restrained visual palette that complement the film’s quiet tone. Conversely, some viewers highlight poor lighting, low‑fidelity audio, and a modest production budget that diminish immersion. The overall sensory experience is therefore uneven, offering moments of understated cohesion alongside noticeable technical shortcomings.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    Replay value hinges on the film’s emotional subtlety rather than plot twists or high production gloss. Critics appreciate its lingering melancholy, which may encourage reflective viewings, while some audience members find the straightforward narrative and technical roughness limit repeated enjoyment. As a result, the film offers modest rewatch appeal for viewers who value quiet, contemplative storytelling over conventional entertainment.

Videos

Murmur Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Murmur.

MURMUR Trailer | TIFF 2019
Details

Murmur Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Murmúrio” and “속삭임”.

Also known as
  • Murmúrio
  • 속삭임
  • Сердечный шум
  • Szmer

Seen Murmur?

FAQ

Murmur FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Murmur, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Murmur?

Murmur runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was Murmur released?

Murmur was released on September 6, 2019.

Who directed Murmur?

Murmur was directed by Heather Young.

More films by Heather Young

Who is in the cast of Murmur?

Murmur stars Shan MacDonald as Donna and Andria Edwards as Crystal.

Does Murmur have a post-credit scene?

No. Murmur has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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