The Sounding 2020

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.

Following the passing of Lionel, the film takes a captivating turn; Liv surprises everyone by starting to speak, but intriguingly, her words echo only the phrases from the works of William Shakespeare. This unexpected transformation raises alarms for Lionel’s friend, Michael, interpreted by Teddy Sears, who is a neuropsychiatrist. He begins to view Liv’s new behavior as symptomatic of a deeper mental disorder, prompting him to contemplate her wellbeing against societal expectations.

Despite Lionel’s previous assurances to himself that he would protect Liv’s freedom and autonomy, Michael makes the troubling decision to enforce her involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital. Once inside the institution, Liv’s spirit of individuality shines through as she fiercely resists the attempt to conform to established norms. Her rebellion underscores an ongoing conflict between embracing one’s true self and adhering to societal expectations.

As the plot unfolds, the film artfully delves into profound themes of individuality, communication, and the intricate nature of societal norms, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexity of what it means to communicate and be ‘normal’ in a world that often seeks to define those terms. With a poignant narrative that challenges the audience’s perceptions, the film navigates the delicate balance between personal expression and the often suffocating weight of social conformity.