Speak (2004): Cast & Plot
Speak is a 2004 drama directed by Jessica Sharzer, starring Steve Zahn as Mr. Freeman, Kristen Stewart and D. B. Sweeney. It is based on Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Jessica Sharzer
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Speak Film Inc.
- Based on
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Speak About?
The premise of Speak without spoilers, adapted from Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The truth that emerges upends everything. Freshman Melinda stops speaking after she reports a summer party to the police. Ostracized by friends and ignored by busy parents, she hides that popular senior Andy assaulted her at the party. She finds solace in an art class taught by Mr. Freeman, where creativity offers a path to healing.
Speak Cast & Characters
Steve Zahn leads the cast as Mr. Freeman, with Kristen Stewart as Melinda Sordino and D. B. Sweeney as Jack Sordino. Directed by Jessica Sharzer; 22 actors are credited in all.
- Director Jessica Sharzer
-
Steve Zahn as Mr. Freeman -
Kristen Stewart as Melinda Sordino - D. B. Sweeney as Jack Sordino
- Allison Siko as Heather
Also Starring in Speak
· 18 more- Eric Lively Andy Evans
- Robert John Burke Mr. Neck
- Michael Angarano Dave Petrakis
- Hallee Hirsh Rachel Bruin
- Tyanna Rolley Nicole
- Elizabeth Perkins Joyce Sordino
- Leslie Lyles Hairwoman
- Caitlyn Folley Girl at Pep Rally
- Arron Kinser Art Student
- Richard Hagerman School Bus Driver
- Remy Brommer Yearbook Photographer
- Megan Pillar Ivy
- Susan Gardner Guidance Counselor
- Grace Ameter Emily
- Kimberly Kish Ms. Keen
- Jamie Lee White Social Studies Student
Show all 22 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Christina Hardebeck Meg
- Tony Roseboro Principal
Speak Plot Summary
What happens in Speak from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Melinda Sordino begins her first year of high school feeling out of place, wary of speaking up, and socially isolated from the start. On the bus to school, she quietly edges toward a faint friendship with Heather, but the day quickly proves harsh: she endures taunts and is repeatedly labeled a “squealer” by classmates. The weight of a hidden trauma from the previous summer colors every interaction—the police were called to a house party where she was assaulted, a crime she hasn’t been able to name aloud because the memory wounds her too deeply. The assailant is Andy Evans, a popular senior whose charm masks a dangerous truth, and Melinda’s silence about the assault becomes a central ache of her freshman year.
Full summary
The whole story of Speak, scene by scene
Speak Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Speak.
How Well Do You Know Speak?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main protagonist of the film?
Cars in Speak
9 cars on screen, including the 1989 Hyundai Excel and the 1994 International 3000-Series.
-
1989 Hyundai Excel Important role -
1994 International 3000-Series Important role -
1997 Jeep Wrangler Important role -
2003 Hyundai Tiburon Minor role
Speak Also Known As
15 alternative titles, including “Melindan salaisuus” and “Le Parole non dette”.
- Also known as
-
- Melindan salaisuus
- Le Parole non dette
- Beszélj!
- Говори
- Speak - Die Wahrheit ändert alles
- 不再沉默
- רק לדבר
- Mluv
- Ucieczka w milczenie
- 스피크
- Konuş Benimle
- O Silêncio de Melinda
+3 more Show fewer
- Tăcerea
- スピーク
- Räägi
Seen Speak?
Speak FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Speak, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Speak?
Speak runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was Speak released?
Speak was released on January 20, 2004.
Who directed Speak?
Speak was directed by Jessica Sharzer.
Who is in the cast of Speak?
Speak stars Steve Zahn as Mr. Freeman, Kristen Stewart as Melinda Sordino and D. B. Sweeney as Jack Sordino, among 22 credited actors.
Is Speak based on a book?
Yes. Speak is adapted from Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Does Speak have a post-credit scene?
No. Speak has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
