Written and directed by Nicholas Bain, Voice Of Shadows has a familiar setup. Emma (Corrine Mica) is close to her aunt Milda (Jane Hammill), though the elderly lady does not much care for Emma’s boyfriend Gabriel (Guillermo Blanco). As such, it is not much of a shock when Milda’s entire estate, including her house and sizable fortune, is left to Emma after the aunt’s death. However, receiving the inheritance comes with a few stipulations. It is in these matters that the dramatic horror film shows its originality. One of the provisions states that Emma must answer the phone whenever it rings and briefly talk to whoever is on the other end. Mind you, it does not matter who that person is, nor if Emma knows them.
But the most concerning requirement involves Gabriel. Emma is allowed to stay at the house as long as she wants, as is her best friend/Gabriel’s sister Celeste (María José Vargas Agudelo). However, Gabriel is not allowed in, as Milda detests his Catholic faith. But the lawyer Ernesto (Martin Harris) is more than willing to overlook that rule so long as Emma and company follow all the other stipulations without fail. But as the days wear on and the phone calls increase, Emma and Celeste no longer act like themselves. Is their change just grief overtaking them temporarily, or is there something sinister inside those four walls?
“…as the days wear on and the phone calls increase, Emma and Celeste no longer act like themselves.”
Voice Of Shadows sports an intriguing hook: who are the people calling, and why are Emma and Celeste so affected by them? This mystery is involving as the two ladies are relatable and easy to root for. Also, the reveal of Milda’s ultimate reason for her will and all Ernesto knows about her death are elements that create tension and dread. It certainly helps that Mica, Agudelo, Harris, and Hammill sell their characters nicely. Emma clearly loves Gabriel and Milda, so when she starts giving him curt responses, oddness sets in. Harris makes the lawyer a lot of fun while still off-putting. Hammill is vile and easily detestable yet still engaging.
Unfortunately, the film has a handful of issues that keep it from greatness. Ernesto allowing Gabriel to stay is actually a plot hole, though only after a few other things are revealed. To say more would be to spoil a good portion of the film, but just know it makes no sense. But the more significant issue is Blanco. He’s drier than toast and even more bland. The actor sounds bored the entire time and fails to sell his love for Emma. This is a problem as their relationship is at the heart of every choice Gabriel makes.
Voice Of Shadows takes a familiar premise and adds an original twist, creating a scary little mystery. Most of the cast is quite good, and the direction keeps the audience on its toes. However, character actions make no sense, as more information comes to light, causing a hard-to-ignore plot hole. Even more problematic is that Blanco, the lead, is not a good actor, failing to inject life or the spark of romance into his role. Still, thanks to the creative narrative and the other actors, this is worth watching once.
For more information, visit the official Voice Of Shadows Facebook page.
"…a scary little mystery."
