Catherine Clare reluctantly trades life in 1980 Manhattan for a remote home in the tiny hamlet of Chosen, New York, after her husband George lands a job teaching art history at a small Hudson Valley college. Even as she does her best to transform the old dairy farm into a place where young daughter Franny will be happy, Catherine increasingly finds herself isolated and alone. She soon comes to sense a sinister darkness lurking both in the walls of the ramshackle property—and in her marriage to George.
Movie Review: Things Heard & Seen (2021) – A Haunting Blend of Horror and Drama
Introduction
“Things Heard & Seen,” directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, is a 2021 horror drama film that masterfully combines supernatural elements with a gripping narrative about relationships and personal secrets. Starring Amanda Seyfried and James Norton, this film offers a chilling and atmospheric exploration of the uncanny. In this review, we delve into the elements that make “Things Heard & Seen” a compelling and eerie watch and provide details on where you can stream it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The film follows Catherine Clare (Amanda Seyfried), an artist who relocates from Manhattan to a remote farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband George (James Norton) and their young daughter Franny. As Catherine adjusts to her new surroundings, she begins to sense a malevolent presence in their home and discovers that the house harbors dark secrets. Meanwhile, George’s increasingly erratic behavior raises suspicions, and Catherine finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and supernatural occurrences. As the past and present converge, Catherine must confront the haunting truths about her home and her marriage.
Visuals and Cinematography
Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s direction creates a tense and foreboding atmosphere throughout “Things Heard & Seen.” The cinematography by Larry Smith enhances the film’s eerie mood, utilizing dim lighting, shadowy interiors, and expansive, isolated landscapes to build suspense. The use of vintage and period-specific details adds authenticity and depth to the setting, while the visual effects subtly accentuate the supernatural elements without overpowering the narrative.
Performances
Amanda Seyfried delivers a captivating performance as Catherine Clare, capturing her character’s vulnerability, strength, and growing paranoia. Seyfried’s portrayal of Catherine’s descent into fear and uncertainty is both nuanced and compelling. James Norton convincingly plays George Clare, embodying the charming yet increasingly unsettling husband. The supporting cast, including Natalia Dyer, Rhea Seehorn, and F. Murray Abraham, adds depth and complexity to the film, enhancing the overall tension and drama.
Themes and Interpretation
“Things Heard & Seen” explores themes of betrayal, the supernatural, and the fragility of relationships. The film delves into the impact of secrets and lies on personal and familial dynamics, highlighting the thin line between reality and the supernatural. It also examines the consequences of past sins and the idea that places can retain the energy and trauma of their history. Through Catherine’s journey, the narrative emphasizes the importance of confronting one’s demons, both literal and metaphorical.
Streaming Availability in the U.S.
As of 2024, “Things Heard & Seen” is available for streaming on Netflix in the United States.
Conclusion
“Things Heard & Seen” is a haunting and atmospheric film that successfully blends elements of horror and drama. With strong performances, particularly from Amanda Seyfried, and the adept direction of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the film offers an engaging and unsettling viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming it for the first time or revisiting its eerie narrative, “Things Heard & Seen” delivers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the supernatural and the human psyche.
