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Comedy drama

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (2021): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (2021) movie poster

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise is a 2021 comedy drama directed by Bennett Lasseter, starring Keean Johnson as Marcus, Madeline Brewer and Gordon Winarick. Critics gave it 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
44%
Echo Score
55
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The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (2021) movie poster
Released
Director
Bennett Lasseter
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Music
Original language
English
Studio
Hulu
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Ultimate Playlist of Noise About?

The premise of The Ultimate Playlist of Noise without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Facing the prospect of hearing loss, a high school senior named Marcus sets out on a cross-country journey to record the sounds he loves. Accompanied by a vibrant musician named Wendy, he creates a unique playlist of life’s most memorable moments. As their adventure progresses, they encounter challenges that force Marcus to confront a difficult reality and consider what his future holds as his ability to hear fades.

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Themes & Keywords

· 29 tags
  • school
  • five word title
  • pulling a fire alarm
  • brain tumor
  • tumor
  • headphones
  • tape recorder
  • microphone
  • slow wave
  • soda can popping
  • fast talking auctioner
  • breaking and entering
+17 more
  • indoor pool
  • rolar skate rink
  • talking about orgasm
  • theft
  • car theft
  • stealing from parent
  • stealing a car from parents
  • bipolar disorder
  • house on fire
  • dead brother
  • brain surgery
  • hearing loss
  • depression
  • suicide
  • ancient dildo
  • adjective in title
  • independent film
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Cast & crew

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Cast & Characters

Keean Johnson leads the cast as Marcus, with Madeline Brewer as Wendy and Gordon Winarick as Alex. Directed by Bennett Lasseter; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Ultimate Playlist of Noise

· 6 more
Ratings

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Ultimate Playlist of Noise 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 55/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

55 /100

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Ultimate Playlist of Noise presents a mixed execution marked by its strong auditory focus alongside formulaic story and character elements. Critics and audiences noted its sincere depiction of sound exploration but found the narrative reliant on familiar coming-of-age tropes and occasional emotional contrivances. While the production demonstrates competent craftsmanship, its predictability and underdeveloped relationships temper its overall impact. In sum, the film offers an uneven experience that may appeal to viewers drawn to sound design but disappoints in depth.

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

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film delivers a competent but unremarkable aesthetic execution. Reviews highlight solid production values and editing that maintain clarity without drawing attention. However, stylistic choices remain conventional and visual flair is limited. The direction executes scenes effectively but seldom innovates. Overall, the craftsmanship supports the story but does not elevate the viewing experience.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When it comes to character and emotion, the central performances convey sincere sentiment but lack consistent depth. Some reviews commend the lead’s heartfelt expressions and emotional sincerity, while others find the protagonist unrelatable and the supporting relationships insufficiently developed. Chemistry among characters occasionally adds warmth, yet uneven portrayal diminishes engagement. Consequently, the emotional impact falls short of creating fully resonant character arcs.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds with earnest intention but adheres closely to familiar coming-of-age patterns. Critics note predictable pacing and reliance on conventional tropes, while audiences recognize occasional engaging moments and a clear central message. The plot’s sincerity is undermined by a lack of twists and uneven momentum. As a result, the story remains accessible but seldom feels truly fresh.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels in its sound design and soundtrack integration. Reviews consistently praise its nuanced audio capture of ambient environments and the emphasis on overlooked noises. However, visual styling retains a straightforward approach without distinct visual motifs. The combination results in a compelling auditory journey, though the visual cohesion remains modest overall.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers limited replay value due to its predictable structure and familiar tropes. While viewers may appreciate revisiting its soundscapes and occasional heartfelt moments, the overall experience lacks layers that encourage repeated viewings. Consequently, the lasting appeal remains moderate and unlikely to sustain strong ongoing interest.

Plot

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Plot Summary

What happens in The Ultimate Playlist of Noise from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Marcus Lund, a passionate high school senior whose life is steeped in music and sound, grapples with the haunting memories of a traumatic childhood. His older brother, Alex, heroic in the face of disaster, saved Marcus from their burning home and left behind a legacy of melodies that now reverberate within Marcus’ heart. The echoes of those sounds become all that remains of Alex, whose sacrifice casts a long shadow over Marcus’ spirit.

Full summary

The whole story of The Ultimate Playlist of Noise, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Ultimate Playlist of Noise.

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise - Trailer (Official) • A Hulu Original
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Ultimate Playlist of Noise?

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 event from Marcus' childhood deeply impacted him?

Details

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “噪声终极播放列表” and “더 얼티밋 플레이리스트 오브 노이즈”.

Also known as
  • 噪声终极播放列表
  • 더 얼티밋 플레이리스트 오브 노이즈
  • Záróakkord

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FAQ

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise FAQ: Cast & Release Date

Release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Ultimate Playlist of Noise, each answered in a sentence.

When was The Ultimate Playlist of Noise released?

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise was released on January 15, 2021.

Who directed The Ultimate Playlist of Noise?

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise was directed by Bennett Lasseter.

More films by Bennett Lasseter

Who is in the cast of The Ultimate Playlist of Noise?

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise stars Keean Johnson as Marcus, Madeline Brewer as Wendy and Gordon Winarick as Alex, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Ultimate Playlist of Noise rated?

The Ultimate Playlist of Noise has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Ultimate Playlist of Noise have a post-credit scene?

No. The Ultimate Playlist of Noise has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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