Things Heard & Seen

Part Gothic horror movie and part portrait of a marriage falling apart, "Things Heard & Seen" delivers a clever and effective combination of these seemingly separate genres by the end of the film. The husband-and-wife duo of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, known for their eclectic filmography including "American Splendor" and "The Nanny Diaries," offers a low-key vibe in this rare thriller adaptation of the Elizabeth Brundage novel "All Things Cease to Appear." Although the film's supernatural elements are less gripping than its marital turmoil, the fantastic cast of actors keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The story begins with a man driving up to a dark, wooden farmhouse in winter 1980, where he discovers blood dripping onto his windshield and his young daughter playing alone inside. Flashing back to the previous spring, we see the seemingly happy couple, George (James Norton) and Catherine (Amanda Seyfried), celebrating their daughter's birthday in their Manhattan apartment. However, the move to an 18th-century farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley proves to be more challenging than Catherine had anticipated, with unsettling items left behind by the previous owners and supernatural phenomena occurring.

While Seyfried's character is fascinated by the spirits in the house and wants to help them achieve peace, the film's real tension comes from George's charismatic but narcissistic and pathological lying character. Norton's portrayal of George's deteriorating exterior is thoroughly enjoyable to watch, while Seyfried steadily turns her character's fragility to rage. The supporting cast, including Rhea Seehorn and James Urbaniak, provides a much-needed jolt of energy, but eventually, the supernatural and marital elements of the film weave together, leading to a legitimately creepy and perhaps a little too crazy ending.

Overall, "Things Heard & Seen" is a thought-provoking film that may make you think twice before purchasing an old house with a dark past.

Overall, "Things Heard & Seen" is a movie that succeeds more as a character study of a troubled marriage than as a horror movie. The husband-and-wife directing team of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini bring a low-key, subtle approach to the horror genre, which is refreshing and effective. The film boasts a fantastic cast, with standout performances from Amanda Seyfried and James Norton. Seyfried's character, in particular, undergoes a transformation from fragile to fiercely independent, which is riveting to watch.

While the supernatural elements of the film are not as gripping as the marital turmoil, they do add an unsettling atmosphere to the story. The setting of the 18th-century farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley is beautifully shot by cinematographer Larry Smith, who creates a chilly mood that fits the film's tone.

The supporting cast, including Rhea Seehorn and James Urbaniak, provides much-needed humor and energy to the film. However, the spirits that haunt the house eventually take center stage, leading to a creepy and somewhat chaotic finale.

Overall, "Things Heard & Seen" is a thought-provoking and haunting exploration of a marriage falling apart, with a dash of Gothic horror thrown in for good measure. While not without its flaws, it's a film that stays with you after the credits roll.

As the story unfolds, we are presented with a narrative that is part psychological thriller and part supernatural horror. The tension builds gradually as the Claires' relationship begins to unravel, and the ominous presence in their new home becomes increasingly apparent. The film does a good job of keeping the audience guessing about what is happening and who is behind it all.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Amanda Seyfried as Catherine. She brings a depth and complexity to the character, portraying her as a strong-willed and determined woman who is trying to hold her family together even as her marriage falls apart. James Norton is also excellent as George, a charismatic but deeply flawed man whose true nature is gradually revealed over the course of the film.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with Rhea Seehorn and James Urbaniak providing some much-needed comic relief as the Claires' quirky neighbors. Karen Allen is also memorable as the real estate agent who helps the family find their new home.

Overall, "Things Heard & Seen" is an effective blend of Gothic horror and relationship drama that keeps the audience engaged throughout. While the supernatural elements may not be as gripping as the film's portrayal of a marriage in crisis, they add an extra

Overall, "Things Heard & Seen" is an interesting and well-crafted film that combines elements of horror and drama to tell a story about a marriage in crisis. While the supernatural aspects of the movie may not be as compelling as the human drama, they do add a layer of tension and mystery that keeps the audience engaged.

The performances are uniformly strong, with James Norton and Amanda Seyfried doing excellent work as the troubled couple at the center of the story. The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Rhea Seehorn and James Urbaniak providing welcome comic relief and Karen Allen adding a touch of elegance and class as the real estate agent who helps the Claires find their new home.

Director Robert Pulcini and writer Shari Springer Berman have crafted a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The cinematography by Larry Smith creates a sense of foreboding and isolation, while the production design and costumes capture the look and feel of the 1980s with authenticity and flair.

In conclusion, "Things Heard & Seen" is a solid thriller that explores the complexities of marriage and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic lives. While it may not be a groundbreaking or truly scary horror film, it is an engaging and thought-provoking drama that is worth watching for its strong performances, beautiful visuals, and clever storytelling.

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