Continuing on a minor cult tear, I rewatched SOUND OF MY VOICE, another impressive film that shows what one can accomplish with a small budget if one has a great story and direction.
Peter (Christopher Denham) and his girlfriend Lorna (Nicole Vicius) infiltrate a strange cult, which they intend to expose by making a documentary. Peter hates groups like this, as his mother died by following one’s beliefs. Lorna is the product of a neglected, rich, drug-binging upbringing, and wants to do something meaningful. Together, they successfully infiltrate the group led by Maggie (Brit Marling), who claims she’s from the future and has come back in time to save a select few from what’s coming.
It’s a fascinating film. The tension is great, as is Peter slowly breaking down and succumbing to the human desire to believe, while Lorna goes the other way, increasingly alarmed at Maggie taking over their minds. When Maggie asks Peter to do something that is potentially horrible, everyone must make a decision.
Marling is a fascinating woman. She gave up a career in investment banking to pursue acting, and turned down many roles that sought to play her as the female horror or crime victim. Instead, she teamed up with Zal Batmanglij to co-write and star in this film, which lead to other fascinating films and shows such as THE EAST, ANOTHER EARTH, I ORIGINS, and THE OA.
The ending has a nice payoff that asks the reader to participate in Peter’s and Lorna’s journey. Overall, I liked this one a lot. For a low-budget debut, it’s terrific.
Leave a Reply