Things Heard & Seen
Movie Trailer
Release Date
April 29, 2021
Genre
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Amanda Seyfried as Catherine Claire
- James Norton as George Claire
- Natalia Dyer as Willis
- Alex Neustaedter as Eddie Vayle
- Rhea Seehorn as Justine Sokolov
- F. Murray Abraham as Floyd DeBeers
Director
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Other Movies Director is Known For
- American Splendor (2003)
- The Nanny Diaries (2007)
- Ten Thousand Saints (2015)
Producer
Anthony Bregman, Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron
Writer
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini, based on the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage
Budget
Estimated at $20 million
Production Company
Likely Story, Netflix
Running Time
119 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-MA
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Sexual content
- Language
- Some disturbing images
Movie Story
Things Heard & Seen is a psychological horror film that blends supernatural elements with domestic drama, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the hidden darkness within relationships. The story follows Catherine Claire (Amanda Seyfried) and her husband George (James Norton), a young couple who move from Manhattan to a small town in the Hudson Valley after George accepts a teaching position at a local college.
The couple purchases a historic farmhouse, but as they settle into their new life, Catherine begins to sense something is amiss. She experiences strange occurrences and eerie visions, which she initially attributes to the house’s unsettling atmosphere. However, as she digs deeper into the history of the home and its former occupants, Catherine discovers that the house harbors dark secrets and that it might be haunted by the spirits of its previous residents.
As the supernatural events intensify, so do the cracks in Catherine and George’s marriage. Catherine grows increasingly suspicious of George, uncovering lies and deceit that suggest he is not the man she thought he was. Meanwhile, George’s behavior becomes more erratic and controlling, leading Catherine to question not only her safety but also her sanity.
The film weaves together the ghostly happenings in the house with the unraveling of the couple’s relationship, drawing parallels between the supernatural and the psychological. The story explores how the past can haunt the present, both in the literal sense of a haunted house and in the figurative sense of past mistakes and hidden truths coming to light.
Things Heard & Seen is as much a drama about the complexities of marriage and the dangers of deception as it is a horror film. The tension builds as Catherine’s world becomes increasingly unstable, leading to a chilling and tragic conclusion that leaves questions lingering in the viewer’s mind.
Special Effects
The special effects in Things Heard & Seen are used to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The film relies on subtle visual and auditory cues to suggest the presence of ghosts, with flickering lights, shadowy figures, and distorted sounds contributing to the sense of dread. The effects are not overdone, allowing the tension to build gradually and keeping the focus on the psychological aspects of the horror. The film’s cinematography and production design also play a key role in creating the haunting ambiance, with the old farmhouse serving as a character in its own right.
Box Office Performance
Things Heard & Seen was released exclusively on Netflix, where it garnered significant viewership, though it received mixed reviews from critics. While the performances, particularly Amanda Seyfried’s, were praised, the film was criticized for its pacing and for not fully capitalizing on its intriguing premise. Despite this, it attracted an audience interested in psychological horror and supernatural thrillers, benefiting from the wide reach of the streaming platform.
Filming Locations
- Hudson Valley, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “There’s something wrong with this house.” – Catherine Claire
- “The house chose you.” – Floyd DeBeers
- “Sometimes, the truth is the scariest thing of all.” – Justine Sokolov
Behind-the-Scenes
Things Heard & Seen was adapted from the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage, with Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directing and writing the screenplay. The film’s production focused on creating a tense and atmospheric environment, with the Hudson Valley setting providing the perfect backdrop for the eerie story. Amanda Seyfried was cast in the lead role, bringing a strong and emotional performance to the character of Catherine, while James Norton portrayed the increasingly sinister George.
Awards
Things Heard & Seen did not receive major award nominations but was recognized for its strong performances and atmospheric cinematography.
Final Verdict
Things Heard & Seen is a slow-burning psychological horror film that explores the intersection of the supernatural and the emotional turmoil within a crumbling marriage. While it doesn’t fully deliver on all its promises, the film offers a haunting atmosphere, strong performances, particularly from Amanda Seyfried, and a compelling exploration of how past traumas can manifest in both physical and psychological ways. Fans of eerie, character-driven horror may find the film’s blend of ghostly and domestic horror intriguing.
IMDb Rating
5.3/10