My quick rating - 4.2/10. This flick weaves a tension-filled tale of paranoia and guilt, following assistant bank manager Andy McNeary as he navigates a nightmarish scenario to rescue his abducted infant daughter. Directed, written, and starring Ryan Barton-Grimley, the film is an ambitious psychological thriller that explores themes of fatherhood, guilt, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion. The film begins with a gripping setup: Andy receives instructions from a mysterious voice on a baby monitor to save his daughter. The urgency of the premise immediately hooked me, laying the groundwork for a story fueled by paranoia and sleep-deprived desperation. However, as the narrative unfolds, the film struggles to maintain the intensity of its opening, faltering under a series of overused dream sequences and uneven pacing. Andy, plagued by guilt and cryptic nightmares, becomes a vessel for the film's exploration of psychological turmoil. However, his reactions often feel subdued, failing to convey the raw, frantic energy one would expect from a father in such a dire situation. This lack of emotional intensity diminishes the stakes and makes it harder to fully empathize with his plight. One intriguing yet inconsistent element is the baby monitor, which occasionally behaves like a camera, seemingly allowing the antagonist to observe Andy's actions. While this adds an eerie layer to the film, it also raises unanswered questions that detract from the suspension of disbelief. This unfortunately did lead me to take a stab at what was going on and with that correct guess, might have weakened the whole experience slightly. Thematically, the movie seems to draw heavily from the chaotic, sleep-deprived experience of new parenthood, suggesting that someone involved in its creation may have firsthand knowledge of this phase of life. The film effectively portrays the claustrophobic and surreal feeling of losing one's grip on reality, but its reliance on "wake-from-dream" scenarios becomes repetitive and undermines the suspense. While Listen Carefully keeps us intrigued with its premise and occasional bursts of tension, it stumbles in its execution. The final act, packed with reality-shifting reveals, feels more convoluted than cathartic, leaving you more distracted than satisfied. It does have moments of promise, but its inconsistent tone and lackluster character depth prevent it from delivering the gripping psychological thriller it aims to be. Despite its flaws, it may resonate with viewers who appreciate themes of guilt and the psychological strains of parenthood. Thank you to Justin Cook for giving me the opportunity to check this out in advance for you all. I did see enough good in this one to go back and watch Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers.
Check Justwatch on December 16th for streaming options.
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