Director: Marjane Satrapi
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton, Anna Kendrick, Jacki Weaver
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 103 minutes
Special Features: Interviews / Scare Prank / Deleted Scenes / Extended Scenes / Pet Voice Recordings / Behind-the-Scenes / Animatics
The Voices is unlike anything I’ve seen before and if you’ve a mind that likes the unusual and twisted, this Marjane Satrapi-directed movie is definitely for you. Starring Ryan Reynolds as factory worker Jerry, he’s a simple guy with a seemingly good nature who gets on with his co-workers and boss, oh, and he’s also got a bit of a thing for office accountant Fiona, played by the ever-stunning Gemma Arterton.
But there’s a big twist in the life of our lead character as he’s not quite who he seems because he hears voices and, very specifically, the ones of his cat and dog; Mr Whiskers and Bosco. It’s safe to say that Jerry has a lot of issues and although he’s trying to balance his unfortunate other nature with the help of psychotherapist Dr Warren (portrayed by the excellent Jacki Weaver), one night when he’s out on a drive with Fiona, things go wrong and he ends up accidentally killing her which, in turn, leads to a serious of unfortunate events encouraged mainly by his psychopathic cat, who’s an evil feline at his best.
This is a special piece of work that’s stimulating both via the narrative and visually. Jerry isn’t just some random schizophrenic who likes to kill people because he can hear voices, there’s also intelligent layering of history that brings us back to reality, especially when things are dark but funny. Writer Michael R. Perry has this in his locker as well, with his scribing talents going back to the likes of Eerie Indiana, American Gothic and the underrated Millennium from the X-Files Chris Carter.
Ryan Reynolds is back on top form in The Voices and pre-Deadpool; it’s exciting to see him back on the scene with something very different. The innocence of his character also makes him likeable, even when you know what’s happening is utterly wrong. The co-starring roles complete a great ensemble cast with Arterton excellent as an English girl stuck in a distant American town, Weaver being a nearly helpful shrink and also Anna Kendrick bringing her charm and talent to the screen and once the story starts to flip, she’s effortless as always.
The Voices is dark and deeply disturbing but ultimately, and honestly, a highly entertaining black comedy that’s utterly original and equally messed up. Wait until the end to see who does all the voices, check out the plethora of special features and don’t miss the final credits sequence that’s bizarre yet magnificent.
The Voices is available on DVD, Blu-ray and Steelbook (right here and exclusively via Zavvi.com) on July 13th from Arrow Films.
