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Mystery drama

The Sounding (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Sounding (2020) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
worldwide gross
$34.7M
Echo Score
87
Metascore
62
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The Sounding (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Genres
Drama , Mystery
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
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Cast & crew

The Sounding Cast & Characters

Catherine Eaton leads the cast as Liv, with Harris Yulin as Lionel and Teddy Sears as Michael.

Also Starring in The Sounding

· 6 more
Ratings

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).

87 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$34.7M

US & Canada
$113.5K
International
$34.6M
US & Canada 0% Rest of the world 100%
Videos

The Sounding Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Sounding.

©Trailer for The Sounding
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Liv's primary mode of communication before speaking?

Seen The Sounding?

FAQ

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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