The listeners: A deep dive into the BBC’s intriguing miniseries
A limited series with a lasting impact
The BBC’s miniseries “The Listeners” has captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling storytelling. Directed by Janicza Bravo, the series stars Rebecca Hall as Claire, a woman tormented by a mysterious humming noise that no one else can hear. Despite its short run of just five episodes, the show has left a significant mark on viewers and critics alike.
Bravo, known for her work on “Zola” and episodes of “Poker Face”, “In Treatment”, and “Mrs. America”, believes that the limited series format is a gift. “There’s something so sexy about saying it’s just this,” she remarks, emphasizing the allure of a concise, self-contained story.
The plot: A descent into madness or a quest for validation?
In “The Listeners”, Claire’s life is seemingly perfect. She enjoys her job as a teacher and has a loving family. However, her world is turned upside down when she starts hearing a persistent humming noise that no one else can detect. This auditory anomaly drives her to the brink of insanity, as she struggles to find someone who believes her.
Bravo explains her fascination with characters who exist in a reality that isn’t shared by others. “I’m intrigued and excited by individuals who exist in a reality that’s not real to everyone else,” she says. This theme resonates deeply with viewers, especially those who have experienced medical conditions or other issues that were dismissed by others.
A reflection on societal norms and personal fulfillment
Claire’s journey in “The Listeners” is not just about the mysterious sound. It’s also a commentary on societal expectations and personal fulfillment. Claire moves to the suburbs, adopts a life that seems perfect on the surface, but still feels unfulfilled. Bravo delves into this aspect, questioning how fulfillment arrives and what shape it takes.
“Claire talks about moving to the suburbs, even though she always felt like a city girl and a bit of a rebel,” Bravo notes. “She found herself in this life that was really her husband’s life, then had children – life just happened to her. She has a lot of things we are told are meant to equate to a happy life and yet it still feels it’s not enough.”
The community of listeners
Claire soon discovers that she is not alone in her struggle. Others in her community, including one of her students, are also plagued by the same humming noise. Some have been hearing it for years and have almost grown accustomed to it. This shared experience creates a unique bond among the sufferers, highlighting the importance of validation and community support.
Bravo reflects on the human tendency to accept inconveniences and unhappiness. “There’re series of inconveniences we just accept [as human beings]. I was raised by people who weren’t always happy and didn’t necessarily do very much to change it. They accepted that was their life,” she says.
The sound: A character in itself
One of the most crucial elements of “The Listeners” is the sound itself. Finding the right sound was essential to the show’s success, as it needed to be both distressing and believable. Bravo drew inspiration from various sources, including the 2019 miniseries “Chernobyl”, which she found incredibly effective in its use of sound.
“I made a list for myself of what films or shows are synonymous with great sound, and I don’t mean score. The most recent thing that came to mind was [2019 miniseries] ‘Chernobyl’. I found it incredibly distressing and it gave me a lot of anxiety. But it was so effective!”
Bravo also considered the concept of a sound bowl, a meditation tool that produces a deep, guttural sound. This idea helped shape the auditory experience of the show, making the hum a character in its own right.
Claire’s skepticism and the audience’s journey
Despite her own struggles, Claire remains skeptical of others who claim to hear the sound. This skepticism makes her a relatable character for the audience, as she embodies their doubts and questions. Bravo and Hall discussed this aspect early on, ensuring that Claire’s journey would resonate with viewers.
“We had this conversation early on with Rebecca. If you went to a dinner party with Claire and there was a woman a few seats away, talking about hearing a sound nobody else can hear, Claire wouldn’t believe her,” Bravo laughs. “She’s wants to be understood, but she doesn’t all the way buy it. When we meet this collective and they say they hear it too, it’s hard for her to accept them. In this sense, she’s the audience’s eyes and ears.”
A grounded yet otherworldly experience
While “The Listeners” delves into strange and unsettling territory, it remains grounded in reality. Bravo describes the show’s setting as “Earth 2,” a world that looks, smells, and moves like our own but with an added layer of otherworldliness. This balance keeps the story relatable while allowing for moments of surrealism.
As the series progresses, the humming noise becomes more prominent, drawing viewers deeper into Claire’s experience. Bravo assures that the audience will “meet” the sound more as the story unfolds, adding to the show’s intrigue and suspense.
For those who haven’t yet experienced “The Listeners”, it’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas. The show’s exploration of personal fulfillment, societal expectations, and the quest for validation makes it a thought-provoking and engaging series.
Check out the trailer for The Listeners and dive into this captivating miniseries that will leave you questioning the nature of reality and the power of belief.