The Sounding (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Sounding is a 2020 mystery drama starring Catherine Eaton as Liv, Harris Yulin and Teddy Sears. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $34.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Giant Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Sounding About?
The premise of The Sounding without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Living in seclusion on a Maine island, Liv communicates through a language built from Shakespearean lines. Her unique way of speaking draws the attention of a neurologist who, concerned for her well-being, institutionalizes her in a psychiatric hospital. Determined to maintain her self-expression and fight for her freedom, Liv refuses to be silenced, embarking on a compelling struggle against those who seek to control her.
The Sounding Themes & Keywords
· 3 tags- title directed by female
- title co written by female
- f rated
The Sounding Cast & Characters
Catherine Eaton leads the cast as Liv, with Harris Yulin as Lionel and Teddy Sears as Michael.
- Catherine Eaton as Liv
-
Harris Yulin as Lionel - Teddy Sears as Michael
-
Frankie Faison as Roland
Also Starring in The Sounding
· 6 more- Betsy Aidem Police Chief Phyllis
- Carolyn Baeumler Shut Up
- Joel Brady Bugs
- Steve Bertorelli Mental Patient
- Mark Boyett Thomas
- Matthew W. Belcher Patient in Psycho Ward
The Sounding Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Sounding 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in sensory experience (78).
The Sounding Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of its overall construction, The Sounding demonstrates consistent strengths in its visual and performative elements while encountering occasional issues in narrative pacing and cohesion. Most commentators noted the assured direction and evocative cinematography that anchor the film’s tone, as well as the emotional resonance delivered by the cast. Criticisms tended to focus on a loosely structured beginning and an unresolved conclusion that undercut the story’s momentum. Overall, the film offers an engaging experience tempered by sporadic structural lapses.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, The Sounding excels in its visual composition and direction. Reviewers highlighted the crisp and measured direction, noting evocative framing and a unified visual palette that underscores the story’s tone. A few observations pointed to occasional inconsistencies in costume and makeup choices that momentarily disrupted immersion. Overall, the film’s craftsmanship contributes strongly to its expressive impact.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to character and emotion, the film offers nuanced performances that anchor its emotional core. Critics praised the leads’ measured delivery and supporting portrayals that convey authentic connections and inner conflict. A minority noted wooden moments in child actors and occasional accent inconsistencies that slightly diminish immersion. Overall, the acting adds compelling human depth.
- Story & Flow 82
In terms of story and flow, the narrative demonstrates originality but suffers pacing unevenness. Several remarks applauded the inventive premise and emotional resonance driven by Shakespearean dialogue and human connection. However, critiques pointed to a lack of contextual buildup at the beginning and an abrupt or unresolved ending that undercut narrative clarity. Overall, the story remains engaging yet sporadically hindered by structural gaps.
- Sensory Experience 78
In sensory terms, the film’s audio-visual presentation offers striking visuals but uneven sound design. A number of observations emphasized the evocative visual style and cohesive production design that immerse viewers in the film’s rural setting. At the same time, some reported inconsistent sound mixing that occasionally distracted from dialogue clarity and emotional beats. Overall, the sensory experience is vivid yet slightly marred by audio irregularities.
- Rewatch Factor 85
Regarding rewatch factor, the film leaves a lasting impression that encourages repeat viewings. Viewers noted that the film’s thematic depth, strong central performances, and evocative imagery continue to resonate after the first viewing. Some indicated a desire for a refined cut to address pacing issues before returning. Overall, the movie offers substantial replay value, with its memorable premise and emotional undertones inviting future viewings.
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IMDb 6.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 62 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 61% User score
See on TMDB
The Sounding Plot Summary
What happens in The Sounding from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Set against the backdrop of a secluded island off the coast of Maine, this profound film follows the journey of Liv, portrayed by Catherine Eaton, a young woman who has kept her silence throughout her life, opting to communicate solely through gestures and actions. Wrapped in the protective care of her grandfather, Lionel, played by Harris Yulin, a retired neuropsychiatrist, Liv has been shielded from the harsh interventions of society.
Full summary
The whole story of The Sounding, scene by scene
The Sounding Box Office
The Sounding grossed $34.7 million worldwide. $113,527 came from the US and Canada and $34.6 million (100%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$34.7M
- US & Canada
- $113.5K
- International
- $34.6M
The Sounding Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Sounding.
How Well Do You Know The Sounding?
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
What is Liv's primary mode of communication before speaking?
Seen The Sounding?
Movies Like The Sounding
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Sound, Sound of My Voice and Silence & Darkness.
The Sounding FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Sounding, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Sounding?
The Sounding runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was The Sounding released?
The Sounding was released on October 20, 2020.
Who is in the cast of The Sounding?
The Sounding stars Catherine Eaton as Liv, Harris Yulin as Lionel and Teddy Sears as Michael, among 10 credited actors.
How much did The Sounding make at the box office?
The Sounding grossed $34.7 million worldwide ($113,527 domestic, $34.6 million international).
How is The Sounding rated?
The Sounding has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 62 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.
Does The Sounding have a post-credit scene?
No. The Sounding has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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