The Voices (2015)
10:11 AM
Hearing Voices Can Be Murder
The Voices is directed by Marjane Satrapi (Chicken with Plums) and stars Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal), Gemma Arterton (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters) & Anna Kendrick (Into the Woods). 'A likable guy pursues his office crush with the help of his evil talking pets, but things turn sinister when she stands him up for a date'. 9 People walked out of the cinema whilst this film was playing but what is my verdict?
The biggest thing that needs to be made clear about this film is that it is a dark comedy - you laugh at things you shouldn't really be laughing at. The whole plot is very clever but I can understand why some people may find it stupid as they are probably just passive movie goers and don't understand what the director is trying to do. What I took from this film is that it is about schizophrenia - Jerry (Reynolds) is hearing voices from his pets and decapitated heads which nobody else can hear. He also goes to see a psychotherapist throughout the film. For a 103 minute film, it actually didn't feel like that long which suggests that it is quite fast-paced and entertaining. The Voices also had many deep moments which shows that a comedy can be taken seriously at times. For the most part, this film was shocking and horrific to watch- the scenes were so uncomfortable to watch that you did laugh! I think that only good films can intentionally make you laugh at topics that aren't laughable in real life.
The film was funny. It was dark and you do feel guilty for laughing but it was funny. SPOILERS - as Jerry starts killing the girls and putting their heads in his fridge - it is funny when they start speaking to him and controlling his life. I wouldn't recommend this film to people who are easily offended as it will probably upset them but I thought that it was a really clever and effective movie!- people who were unaware of the illness before watching the film will now be aware of how extreme it can be - they may be more sensitive to people with the illness now?
The acting was also very good. Ryan Reynolds was fantastic. He plays Jerry and the voices of his pets. I thought he held the film very well and really got into the role. The females in this film were also very good: Arterton and Kendrick were brilliant. However, I do have to say the voices of the pets were quite unnecessary and made the film feel like 'Garfield' or 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' - they could have been a little more clever.
The Voices is not for the easily offended or faint hearted - it is gory and full of dark humour. The performances from Reynolds, Arterton and Kendrick are great. However, the film was quite a weird experience and does have a very niche appeal. The voices for the pets were funny at times but generally quite annoying. With meaningful undertones and a clever plot - The Voices has a message that you should listen to.
3.5 STARS
Have you seen THE VOICES? What do you think of dark humour in general? What should I review next? - COMMENT BELOW
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