What Is Audible About?
The premise of Audible in 323 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the senior year of the Maryland School for the Deaf, a tight‑knit football team prepares to defend a legacy that stretches far beyond the scoreboard. The film opens with the everyday rhythm of a school where every conversation, every tactical play, and every burst of laughter is carried in the fluid motion of sign language. This silent choreography becomes a visual pulse, giving the world a distinct texture that feels both intimate and expansive. The atmosphere balances the disciplined grind of athletic ambition with the tender uncertainty of adolescence, inviting viewers into a community that communicates more through shared feeling than spoken word.
At the heart of the story is Amaree McKenstry‑Hall, a senior whose life has been shaped by both the quiet resilience of his own hearing challenges and the louder echoes of a fragmented family history. Wearing a cochlear implant and a hearing aid, he navigates the subtle line between the vibrating world he can sense and the conversations that remain out of reach, all while shouldering the expectations of a final season. His bond with Ryan, the football coach, offers a steadying presence, emphasizing how the team’s heightened senses become an unexpected advantage on the field. Around them, classmates like Jalen, a cheerleader whose love of drumming translates rhythm into vibration, and Lera, whose own aspirations intertwine with the team’s, flesh out a vibrant peer landscape.
The tone of the film is one of hopeful determination, underscored by the quiet strength that arises when a group of young people lean on one another. Themes of identity, belonging, and the drive to prove oneself flicker through each practice, each shared glance, and every silent rally cry. As the seniors approach the threshold of adulthood, the narrative hints at the looming questions of transition—whether to the hearing world, to life beyond school, or to the next chapter of personal growth—while celebrating the unspoken camaraderie that has defined their journey thus far.
What Happens in Audible?
The complete story of Audible, from the first scene to the last, in 612 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
It follows the journey of Amaree McKenstry-Hall, a senior athlete at the Maryland School for the Deaf, as he and his teammates strive to maintain their impressive winning streak. This mission coincides with their struggle to cope with the heartbreaking loss of a dear friend who succumbed to suicide. In the locker room, communication is solely through sign language, emphasizing the unique culture of the team. Even during the intense halftime discussions, the players express their emotions and thoughts via sign, highlighting the importance of this language in their lives.
Maryland boasts a champion football team, and the dynamics on the field are notably distinctive, reflecting their abilities through signed communication. Even the referees adopt this method during games. However, the team faces a significant setback after losing their first match to a deaf school from Texas, ending their 16-season-long winning streak of 42 consecutive victories. The pressure mounts as Amaree approaches his final year.
Amaree’s journey is deeply personal; he has been wearing a hearing aid since childhood due to meningitis that left him deaf at the age of three. Although he can feel vibrations and sense the rhythm of footsteps, conversation remains elusive. Equipped with a Cochlear Implant, he enjoys music but is the only member of his family with hearing difficulties, leading to feelings of isolation, especially since his father, Marvin, abandoned the family when Amaree was two. Marvin’s struggle with fear and stress hindered their relationship, as he couldn’t cope with Amaree’s health challenges. Recently, he has sought to reconnect with his son after turning away from a life of crime.
At school, life continues normally for the students, filled with social events like proms and homecoming parties. Ryan serves as the football coach, emphasizing that for a deaf team, other senses are heightened, providing players with an advantageous perspective on the field. They utilize secret codes to communicate during the game, which showcases their unique skills.
The film also explores the lives of other students at the Frederick, Maryland campus, including Jalen, a cheerleader with a passion for playing the drums, which produce vibrations that the players can sense. Meanwhile, Lera, another cheerleader, plays a significant role in the group.
The emotional story takes a tragic turn with the death of Teddy, Amaree’s best friend, who was also a member of the football team and Jalen’s first love. After transferring to a hearing school where he faced bullying, Teddy tragically took his own life, leaving behind a profound impact on the community.
As the team trains diligently, they confront discrimination; many hearing teams refuse to compete against them. The only way to challenge stereotypes and prove their worth is to emerge victorious on the field, demonstrating that deaf athletes can be just as capable, if not more so.
Within this tapestry of experiences, Amaree seeks to take Lera to the homecoming dance, but sensing her hesitation, he decides to give her some space. Like any group of teenagers, they grapple with questions about relationships and their futures, facing the universal challenges of youth.
On homecoming day, the team competes against the Virginia Spartans, a hearing team, marking Amaree’s final game for the school. As he is crowned homecoming King, the game kicks off with a challenging first half, which sees the home team struggling to secure an advantage, leaving the score tied at 6-6. However, the second half transforms into a true showcase of their skills, culminating in a triumphant victory at 20-14.
In 2020, Amaree completed his education at MSD, with the real world awaiting him—a landscape assuredly fraught with challenges. Yet, for now, the most important lesson remains: the power of being true to oneself.
Audible Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Amaree's Early Days” to “The Legacy of Friendship”. 8 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Amaree's Early Days
Amaree McKenstry-Hall's journey begins when he loses his hearing at the age of three due to meningitis. To cope with his new reality, he receives a hearing aid, although his communication remains a challenge, setting the stage for his growth as an athlete.
- 2
Team Culture Development
At the Maryland School for the Deaf, Amaree and his football teammates build a strong team culture centered around sign language. This unique form of communication fosters deep connections and understanding among the players, as they navigate both sports and personal struggles.
Where:Maryland School for the Deaf
- 3
The Football Streak
The football team enjoys a remarkable 16-season winning streak that comes to a halt during a match against a deaf school from Texas. Losing their first game after 42 consecutive victories places immense pressure on the team, particularly on Amaree as he approaches his final year.
Where:Texas
- 4
The Father-Son Struggle
Amaree's relationship with his father Marvin is fraught with challenges. After abandoning Amaree and his mother when Amaree was just two, Marvin attempts to reconnect as he seeks redemption from his past life of crime, highlighting the complexities of their bond.
- 5
The Impact of Teddy's Death
The emotional landscape shifts dramatically with the suicide of Teddy, Amaree's best friend and a fellow football player. Teddy's tragic decision after facing bullying at a hearing school leaves a vacuum in the community and weighs heavily on Amaree and his teammates.
Where:Maryland School for the Deaf
- 6
Confronting Discrimination
The team faces discrimination, as many hearing schools refuse to compete against deaf athletes. This hurdle intensifies their resolve to prove their worth on the field, driving them to strive for victory as a statement against stereotypes.
- 7
Homecoming Preparations
As the homecoming dance approaches, Amaree contemplates taking Lera to the event. Sensing her hesitation about their potential relationship, he decides to give her space, illustrating the common challenges faced by teenagers navigating love and friendship.
Where:Maryland School for the Deaf
- 8
The Final Game
On homecoming day, Amaree's football team faces the Virginia Spartans, a hearing team, marking a significant moment as it is his last game for the school. The stakes are high, as Amaree hopes to end his high school career on a winning note.
Where:Virginia School
- 9
Half-Time Struggles
The first half of the homecoming game sees both teams tied at 6-6, with the home team struggling to establish an advantage. The intensity of the match reflects the pressure Amaree feels as he plays for his teammates and their shared legacy.
When:Half-Time Where:Virginia School
- 10
The Second Half Reveal
In a stunning second half, the Maryland team showcases their skill and determination, turning the tide of the match. They ultimately secure victory with a score of 20-14, solidifying their place in their own history and uplifting the spirits of the community.
When:Second Half Where:Virginia School
Show the other 4 events of Audible Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Crowning Homecoming King
As a highlight of the homecoming event, Amaree is crowned Homecoming King. This moment not only honors his contributions to the team but also emphasizes the support and love he receives from his classmates in light of recent tragedies.
When:Homecoming Day Where:Maryland School for the Deaf
- 12
Continuation of Exploration
With graduation on the horizon in 2020, Amaree prepares to step into a new phase of life. The lessons he has learned throughout his experiences with the team and maintaining friendships will serve him as he faces the challenges ahead.
When:2020
- 13
Life Beyond Football
After completing his education at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Amaree confronts a world filled with both promise and difficulty. The journey he undertook with his team shapes his identity, indicating the importance of resilience in every field, not just sports.
- 14
The Legacy of Friendship
The film ultimately underscores the importance of friendships and community, showcasing moments of joy and heartbreak. Amaree's journey reflects the triumphs and challenges faced by those within the deaf community, inspiring growth and connection.
Who Are the Main Characters in Audible?
Amaree McKenstry-Hall: who they are and the part they play in the story. The profile links to the actor’s page.
- AM
Amaree McKenstry-Hall
Played by Amaree McKenstry-Hall
Amaree is a passionate and determined senior athlete facing the emotional turmoil of losing a friend. As the only member of his family with hearing difficulties, he grapples with feelings of isolation while striving to maintain his team's winning streak. His journey reflects both his personal challenges and his drive to prove himself in the face of adversity.
- 🏈 Athlete
- 💪 Determination
- 💔 Grief
Where and When Is Audible Set?
Audible is set in Maryland (2020). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2020
The story takes place in the contemporary era, showcasing the lives of deaf teenagers as they navigate sports, relationships, and personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of the 2020 academic year, the film captures both the victories and the tribulations faced by the students, emphasizing their determination amid adversity.
Where
Maryland
Maryland is home to the Maryland School for the Deaf, where the film's inspiring journey unfolds. Known for its champion football team, the school fosters a unique culture of communication through sign language among its athletes. The state's vibrant community reflects the resilience and strength of its deaf athletes.
- 🏈 Sports
- 🌍 Location
What Are the Themes of Audible?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Resilience, Loss and Grief and Friendship.
-
01
Resilience
The theme of resilience resonates profoundly throughout Amaree's journey. Despite the loss of his friend Teddy and facing discrimination, the team rallies together to overcome their challenges. Their determination to win on the field is not just about sports, but also about breaking stereotypes and demonstrating the strength of the deaf community.
-
02
Loss and Grief
The emotional weight of loss is a central theme in the film, particularly through Amaree's experience with Teddy's suicide. The community's struggle to process this tragic event highlights the importance of mental health and support within social circles. The story poignantly illustrates how grief can shape relationships and define the resilience of those left behind.
-
03
Friendship
Friendship plays a vital role in the lives of the characters, especially in the bond between Amaree and Teddy. The film showcases the deep connections among teammates, exemplifying how relationships can provide strength during difficult times. Amaree's journey toward understanding himself is intertwined with his relationships, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and support.
What Kind of Film Is Audible?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A deeply moving and bittersweet documentary that balances the triumphs of a high school football team with the heartbreaking tragedy of a friend's suicide, ultimately landing on a hopeful note of resilience and self-acceptance.
- uplifting
- heartbreaking
- resilient
- poignant
- triumphant
- somber
- deaf culture
- teenage grief
- high school sports
- suicide
Content notes: suicide, teen death, bullying.
Quiz
How well do you remember Audible? Test yourself on the story.
