That Alien, Sound — That Alien, Sound(VOD)

Topp’s other works include the 2017 series Swingtime, which he co-wrote and created, and the 2018 short called The Things They Say.

 

The 2025 LA film opens with a playful, kooky energy that instantly pulls you in. I deliberately didn't read the synopsis beforehand (I hate knowing too much before a film), which made it a bit of a guessing game. Was this a mental health episode, a dream, or had Micah actually been taken over by "Sound"? It's like the narrative was born out of a bunch of mates lying on a beach, getting high, and wondering what would happen if sound itself became a conscious being.

 

The way the whole family just rolls with her strange behaviour is oddly heartwarming, and the "nothingness" conversation with her dad hits that universal nerve. We've all had that chat at least once, right?

 

The film has lots of messages about human existence and the things we do without thinking. It's like watching that spiritual friend with a high connection to the universe, who annoyingly tries to get everyone else to vibe with her when in reality, most people want to tick the next thing off their mundane task list, or indulge themselves in the next over-expensive fad because the rest of the world is doing it. It is a playful jab at FOMO, but with enough bite to make you stop and think.

 

The palette remains bright throughout, reinforcing the freshness of seeing the world for the first time. Sound tries to connect with Micah's friends, who are victims of life as they know it. Imagine waking up one day and experiencing everything again for the first time? This would definitely be on my bucket list if it were possible.

 

I Shazamed the score a few times, which is relatively good. The music-based narrative serves as a metaphor, reflecting how human connection is complex and different for everyone.

 

It occasionally felt too long in parts. For a quirky indie film, there weren't enough catchphrases to shout out and laugh about afterwards. Still, the mix of humour and meaning works; the final act pulls everything together nicely, although it made me guess right up until the end. (and I like that!)

It made me wonder if we could all take a leaf out of Sound's book. What if we all spent a little less time rushing about and appreciated what's right in front of us?

 

Overall, it is a good film, with a decent production that doesn't feel indie. This is definitely one for the deep thinkers who appreciate films that make you question how you're living your life and whether you're truly present in your own existence.