I’m Surprised By How Goofy This Lackluster Horror Movie Became By Its Third Act
Low-budget films often carry a charm grounded in their distinct premises, and this is particularly true for The Sound, a new sci-fi thriller crafted by writer and director Brendan Devane. However, despite the intriguing setup, the film gradually loses its grip on viewers, especially in the final act.
Captivating Setup That Fades
At its inception, The Sound entices audiences with a captivating premise. Set in the mid-1900s, the film begins with a climber who faces an ominous creature lurking in the shadows, leading to his perilous fall from a cliff. This incident is part of a government operation entitled "Forbidden Wall." Fast forward to 63 years later, and we meet Sean (portrayed by Marc Hills)—a determined climber eager to conquer the re-opened Forbidden Wall. His personal connection to the wall stems from the tragedy of losing his grandfather in the opening scene.
Although this premise shows promise, The Sound struggles to turn its initial intrigue into lasting thrills. As the plot progresses, viewers are left disheartened by its failure to deliver on its early, terrifying potential.
The Sound’s Story Is Marred By What Feels Like Filler
Pacing Issues and Unnecessary Additions
While the film initially captures interest, it quickly becomes evident that the runtime is padded with unnecessary filler. The gathering of seasoned climbers is accompanied by an extended introductory scene that offers fleeting glimpses into their personalities and dynamics. While these archetypes set expectations, character development stagnates, leaving viewers longing for greater emotional resonance.
Moreover, as Sean and his team prepare to scale the Forbidden Wall, the storytelling falters. The film indulges in excessive exposition, revealing too much too soon. As a consequence, the mysteries surrounding the wall lose their allure. What could be intense, gripping moments instead feel deflated and predictable, diminishing the suspense that audiences crave.
The Sound’s Uneven Pacing Contributes to Lackluster Tension
Sean’s conversations with his father, Conner (William Fichtner), feel unnecessarily drawn-out, often circling the same points repetitively. Numerous dialogues, particularly in the first hour, leave the impression that time is being wasted rather than effectively used. While performances vary from decent to commendable, this drawn-out pacing robs the film of its narrative momentum.
"While the story eventually circles back around, it takes so long with so many drawn-out scenes that it’s a trudge just to get to its promised horrors."
Once the team inevitably encounters danger on the Forbidden Wall, cinematic moments hint at a lurking terror. Unfortunately, the horror monster takes a backseat, overshadowed by human drama. With little real threat conveyed, the intensely anticipated horrors seem a mere afterthought. The film’s inability to maintain suspense culminates in a tedious journey that leaves much to be desired.
As The Sound Progresses, Its Interesting Ideas Become Less Serious
The Story Feels Downright Silly By The Third Act
As the narrative unfolds, the intriguing ideas begin to unravel—a detour into absurdity becomes evident. The tension that the film meticulously builds begins to dissipate, only to be replaced by perplexing plot lines aiming for excitement but failing to deliver coherence.
Some scenes meant to introduce a sense of urgency only muddle the film’s straightforward premise. When the chaos on the wall finally aligns with the main plot, viewers are met with a sense of bewilderment rather than satisfaction. Elements intended to heighten the stakes instead feel tacked on, disrupting the film’s flow.
The third act careens toward silliness, abandoning any semblance of seriousness. The film struggles to conclude gracefully, veering into a climax filled with implausible and over-the-top moments. At this juncture, the once-promising horror film morphs into an uninspired expedition with little to show for its efforts.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Though The Sound begins with a compelling premise, its eventual descent into mediocrity leaves audiences lamenting what could have been. Flawed pacing, unremarkable storytelling, and an unintentionally comedic third act dampen the impact of the film. While some performances shine, they aren’t enough to rescue a narrative plagued by unnecessary embellishments.
In conclusion, The Sound arrives in theaters and on VOD on June 27, 2025—a reminder that even the most intriguing concepts can falter in execution.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Good performances bolster the movie.
- Cons: The promising hook goes unfulfilled, with scenes that drag on unnecessarily and a third act that leans into absurdity.
For more insights into upcoming horror films, check out our piece on horror movie releases in 2025.
