Film review: Voiceless

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The Voiceless poster and scenes from the film

On 22^nd August, STAMMA members Olga Oryema and John Russell attended a private screening of the short film Voiceless at the ArtHouse Crouch End cinema in London. Here's what they thought of it…

Olga's review:

The character Joe, who encounters prejudice and annoyance from others towards his stammer, is the subject of the realistic and relatable short film Voiceless, which also conveys a significant message about support and allyship.

The film starts with Joe (played by Matt Hansen, an actor who stammers and who co-wrote the film) repeating the words from audiobooks whilst wearing his bright orange headphones. Joe has a noticeable stammer and wants to be a performer. 

Although using a tape recorder to practise public speaking, he continues to encounter prejudice from people like fellow performer Ben. The scene where Ben mimics Joe's stammer by saying, "W-w-w-w-well done," left my heart feeling heavy, an experience I have also had the misfortune of facing.

When Joe takes measures, such as showing people cards that explain his stammer, his challenges are not always treated with empathy, serving as a potent reminder that people are frequently so preoccupied with their own lives that they fail to consider the experiences of those around them. But Voiceless makes the case that most people will respond in a helpful manner when they are aware of differences - Ben is a callous adversary at first, but as the film goes on, we learn that his callousness isn't quite what it seems.

His friend Catie invites Joe to attend her writing and performing group and, in an attempt to help him, she encourages him to take to the stage. But Joe isn't ready and struggles. But when he is able to speak up for himself, Catie shares with him her own personal experiences elucidating differences to others, which provides Joe with comfort and faith to get up on stage the next time. He is greatly inspired to be himself by Catie's coming-out experience, which also enables her to relate to him. 

Many films are said to be compelling, but Voiceless really transports the viewer and captures their emotions. The use of strong lighting and sound design, which adds tremendous pressure to instances where Joe's struggle to speak puts him in uncomfortable situations, makes viewers feel as he does. His jaw trembles as we are pressed near to his face, silently encouraging him as he attempts to spit out the words we already know from his tape recorder.

My own experience as a poet seemed inherently similar to finding the courage to reach your own potential with an artistic community and supportive friends. This narrative of overcoming social criticism and gaining the fortitude to follow one's ambitions while discovering my own 'voice' really appealed to me as someone who stammers and clutters. But in the end, Voiceless's thought-provoking portrayal of the stammering experience is what made me fall in love with it.

John's review:

I found Voiceless heart-warming, with Catie supporting Joe, believing in him and encouraging him to get up and make his voice heard. We all need that 'someone' to guide and support us, don't we? 

I think it will appeal not just to people who stammer, but to a wider audience, most importantly the general public, who may not know about or understand stammering. 

It's not an 'everything-you-need-to-know-about-stammering' type of film, but in its 15-minute running time it contained several important messages. The need to give people who stammer the time to speak, ensuring that their voices are heard, is one I'm sure audiences will take on board after seeing this. 

People who stammer too, might see Joe's character as a role-model, someone who - despite reservations - got up and made sure his voice was heard. For stammering is just how we talk!

Voiceless will be screened at the London Rolling Film Festival from 6^th September and the Worcester Film Festival (24^th – 27^th September, exact screening date TBA). It will also be available online from the 11^th – 14^th September as part of the Venezia Shorts Film Festival.

Read actor and filmmaker Matt Hansen’s article about Voiceless for STAMMA. 

Thank you very much to Olga and John for reviewing this short film.