My First Movie Revew: Sound of My Voice Review (Spoiler Alert: I Drank the Kool-Aid)

 

Brit Marling (co-writer and star of the 2011 independent hit Another Earth) has proven yet again that her films, while having the budget of an indie, carry the heart and punch of a major studio production. Written by Marling and director Zal Batmanglij, Sound of My Voice is a thought-provoking science fiction film that centers around amateur documentarians Peter (Christopher Denham) and Lorna (Nicole Vicius), who are in the process of infiltrating a cult. The couple hopes the evidence gathered from their concealed recording devices during the cult’s ritualistic meetings will expose enigmatic leader Maggie (Marling) as a fraud. 

Members of the unnamed cult believe Maggie has time-traveled to 2012 from 2054 to teach them a new way of life, skills they will need in order to survive an imminent catastrophic event. Through different tests of faith, Maggie bestows wisdom on her followers (dare I say worshipers) while also determining who amongst the group she can trust and who she must cut loose. One particular test Maggie requests late in the film is not only shocking, but also sets the stage for an exciting finale.

Maggie’s tests, paired with Peter’s own personal demons, create a constant tension between the two characters and suspense for the audience. Will Peter’s emotions and motivations get the best of him? Will Maggie discover he and Lorna are trying to expose her? More importantly, did I mention the cult has an awesome secret handshake?

While many films about cults, such as Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Master, make a definitive statement that cults=bad, Sound of My Voice lets the audience choose for itself. Viewers are left with just as many questions as answers, which led me to scour the DVD extras for more. Believe me, I know unanswered questions can be frustrating (I’m looking at you, Lost) but Marling and Batmanglij know just how far to take it... you know, right before “Don’t Stop Believing” starts playing on the jukebox. Sound of my Voice is not only a film that you will want to re-watch, but is one you will want to discuss with friends and search online for theories.

For those fans of Another Earth, and thought-provoking films in general, this is a must-see. Don’t expect sprawling CGI landscapes of a make-believe 2054 Los Angeles. Batmanglij chose to make the scenes minimalistic, which really added authenticity and beauty to the film. In fact, a lot of the action takes place in a house’s stark white basement, letting the action focus on the cast. The actors’ performances, especially that of Marling and Denham, are what really breathe life into the scenes.

I have to admit, Marling and Batmanglij made me drink the Kool-aid. I look forward to reading what everyone thinks about the movie in the comments below! 

My Review: A+

Sound of My Voice is currently available for purchase or rental. You can also stream it on Amazon and iTunes.