Abby Brenker and Ellyn Vander Wyden’s Voices Carry is a slow-burning thriller that rewards patience with an eerie, atmospheric unraveling of generational trauma and supernatural mystery. Set against the picturesque yet ominous backdrop of a New Hampshire lake, the film delivers an immersive and unsettling experience that is perfect for a cold winter night.
Premiering at Cinequest 2025, Voices Carry follows Sam (Gia Crovatin) and Jack (Jeff Ayars), a couple looking for a fresh start by moving into Sam’s childhood home. While Jack sees the transition as an opportunity, Sam finds herself pulled deeper into the unresolved trauma of her past, a journey accelerated by the discovery of a mysterious diary and an old necklace dredged from the lake’s depths. As her grip on reality frays, she becomes consumed by a lingering presence that refuses to be ignored.
The film’s strength lies in its performances, particularly Gia Crovatin’s portrayal of Sam. She delivers a haunting and deeply emotional performance, making her descent into obsession feel authentic and unnerving. Jeremy Holm, as the unsettling neighbor Henry, once again proves his mastery of playing eerie, quietly menacing characters. His performance is reminiscent of his role in The Ranger, exuding a sense of quiet dread that keeps viewers on edge. Although his character serves as a distraction, he still stands out as a vital component of the film.
Brenker and Vander Wyden craft a beautifully shot film, utilizing the stark, vibrant colors of the changing seasons to reflect Sam’s shifting mental state. The lake itself almost becomes a character, its icy depths calling to Sam in ways that feel both poetic and sinister. The film’s cinematography captures the isolation and stillness of winter, pulling the audience into Sam’s increasingly claustrophobic and haunted world.
However, the film’s pacing may be too slow for some viewers. The first thirty minutes focus heavily on Sam and Jack’s adjustment to their new surroundings, offering only a few tense exchanges with Henry to build suspense. It isn’t until Sam is unexpectedly pulled underwater during a moment of relaxation that the film begins to fully embrace its psychological horror elements. From that point forward, the sense of unease steadily escalates, as the diary’s cryptic entries suggest a long history of women being trapped in a cycle of pain and mystery surrounding the lake.
Voices Carry evokes the creeping dread of The Babadook, another female-directed psychological horror film, but without the presence of a physical monster. Instead, the horror here is quieter, rooted in grief, isolation, and the weight of the past. The film’s themes of generational trauma and supernatural influence weave together seamlessly, making for an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
For those who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with striking visuals and strong performances, Voices Carry is a must-watch. It may not be packed with jump scares, but its unnerving atmosphere and compelling lead performance make it a standout. And yes, there are pickles—because even in the midst of unraveling madness, some cravings are eternal.
Jessie Hobson