When a sweet, small-town guy starts hearing voices, you know things are bound to get weird. The Voices, released in 2014, takes a wild ride through the dark corners of comedy, horror, and psychological drama, offering a bizarre yet fascinating blend of genres. Directed by Marjane Satrapi, and starring Ryan Reynolds, Anna Kendrick, Gemma Arterton, and Jacki Weaver, the movie is set in the present-day United States, primarily revolving around a small, seemingly ordinary town. Beneath its quirky exterior lies a macabre narrative that challenges the viewer’s sense of morality and reality. Classified as a black comedy, it dances between humor and horror in a way that’s both unsettling and engaging.
The story follows Jerry, a factory worker who lives a lonely and routine life. He’s pleasant and polite but also socially awkward, which makes it difficult for him to connect with others. As the film unfolds, we learn that Jerry hears voices—specifically, his dog Bosco and his cat Mr. Whiskers, both of whom give him contrasting life advice. While Bosco encourages Jerry to stay on the path of good, Mr. Whiskers delights in stirring up darker impulses. Jerry’s life takes a sharp turn when he meets and becomes infatuated with Fiona, a co-worker played by Gemma Arterton. However, Jerry’s fragile grip on reality begins to slip as his mental illness spirals out of control, and soon, the film delves into much darker territory. What begins as quirky, oddball humor gradually transforms into a disturbing exploration of murder, madness, and Jerry’s increasingly fractured psyche.
One of the standout elements in the film is Ryan Reynolds’ performance as Jerry. Known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, Reynolds brings a depth to this role that’s not often seen in his other work. He expertly balances Jerry’s naïve, almost childlike persona with the much more sinister undercurrent of his mental instability. His performance makes Jerry oddly sympathetic, even when he does horrific things. For example, there’s a scene where Jerry, clearly in distress, has a conversation with the severed head of one of his victims. It’s a disturbing moment, but Reynolds’ portrayal of Jerry’s confusion and sadness makes it strangely heartbreaking. His ability to humanize such a morally conflicted character is impressive and adds layers to the film’s psychological complexity.
The direction by Marjane Satrapi is another strong aspect of the film. Satrapi, who is best known for her work on Persepolis, brings a unique visual style to The Voices that helps keep it from becoming just another dark comedy or horror flick. Her direction allows for a mix of absurdity and poignancy, making Jerry’s increasingly erratic world feel unsettling yet strangely colorful. She cleverly uses color and contrast to reflect Jerry’s internal state. When he’s in a good mood, his apartment is vibrant and clean, filled with soft, pastel colors. But when his mental state deteriorates, reality slips back in, and the apartment is shown as grimy, dark, and blood-stained. This visual duality plays an essential role in emphasizing Jerry’s disconnection from reality.
The use of special effects, especially with regard to the talking animals, is another crucial element that works well. Instead of relying on hyper-realistic CGI, the animals’ lip-syncing with their respective voices—done by Reynolds himself—adds to the darkly comedic tone of the film. It’s not perfect, but the slightly off-kilter nature of the effects fits well with the overall surreal atmosphere. This approach helps to keep the film in a fantastical realm, even when it delves into darker, more grotesque territory.
The film’s soundtrack and musical effects deserve praise too. The playful, whimsical music often contrasts sharply with the horrific things happening on screen, creating a jarring yet effective juxtaposition. There are several moments where the cheery background music intensifies the film’s absurdity, such as when Jerry tries to clean up after committing murder, almost turning it into a slapstick routine. This musical contrast helps keep the tone from becoming too grim and adds a layer of irony to Jerry’s actions. The score, by Olivier Bernet, complements the narrative’s swings between lighthearted and nightmarish, making it another key element in establishing the film’s mood.
The film also tackles important themes, particularly mental illness and isolation, though in an exaggerated and fantastical way. Jerry is clearly a troubled individual, and while the film adds a layer of absurdity to his condition through talking animals and humorous scenarios, it doesn’t entirely shy away from the reality of his struggles. His inability to differentiate between right and wrong, his loneliness, and his desperate desire for human connection are all portrayed in a way that is both heartbreaking and uncomfortable. The film raises questions about responsibility and culpability when mental illness is involved. Are Jerry’s actions entirely his fault, or are they a result of his untreated condition? These moral questions linger long after the film ends.
One element that may divide audiences is the tonal shifts. Satrapi constantly walks a fine line between dark humor and horror, and while some may find the balance brilliant, others may feel it’s jarring. The lighthearted moments almost lull you into a false sense of security, only to be broken by scenes of violence or tragedy. This back-and-forth keeps the audience on edge but could also be a source of discomfort for those looking for a more straightforward genre experience.
Overall, The Voices is a unique and bold film that offers an unconventional mix of comedy, horror, and psychological drama. Ryan Reynolds delivers one of his most nuanced performances, bringing an eerie charm to a deeply disturbed character. Marjane Satrapi’s direction, coupled with clever visual storytelling and a playful score, elevates the movie beyond its basic premise of “man hears voices.” It’s not for everyone—the tonal shifts and dark subject matter might alienate some viewers—but for those who appreciate dark humor with a deeper psychological edge, it’s a film worth watching. The film’s quirky approach to such a grim subject matter makes it stand out in a sea of formulaic comedies and horror flicks.
If you enjoy films that blur the line between reality and fantasy and don’t shy away from exploring the complexities of mental illness, The Voices is definitely one to add to your watchlist. However, it’s essential to go in with an open mind, prepared for a film that’s as dark as it is humorous. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and one that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.
