Discover the Offbeat Charm of ‘The Voices’
If you’re in search of a film that combines talking animals, headless women, and Jesus, look no further than the indie gem, The Voices. During Ryan Reynolds’ mediocre comedy phase, the now 44-year-old actor portrayed a mentally unstable factory worker struggling to balance the sinister advice of his cat and the wise counsel of his dog. This quirky dark comedy also boasts a talented cast, including Gemma Arterton (Summerland, My Zoe) and Anna Kendrick (A Simple Favor, Up in the Air), who help bring the offbeat humor to life.
While The Voices doesn’t delve deeply into Reynolds’ character’s mental illness, it’s not a mean-spirited film that mocks schizophrenia either. Instead, it offers a unique blend of humor and sensitivity, making for an entertaining watch.
Ryan Reynolds: A Deadpan Deadpool in ‘The Voices’
Reynolds’ portrayal of Jerry in The Voices is reminiscent of a deadpan Deadpool, minus the superhero abilities and fourth wall-breaking. His charm and comedic timing make Jerry a likable character, despite his serial killer tendencies. The film tackles his mental illness with sensitivity, allowing the audience to understand his struggles and empathize with his victims while still enjoying the bizarre humor.
The Voices doesn’t force sympathy for Jerry; instead, it explores his character just enough for the audience to comprehend his actions. Jerry is a good guy at heart, albeit a misguided one who desperately needs his medication. His conversations with his evil cat and pure-hearted dog are highly entertaining, but the film doesn’t rely solely on death, gore, and offbeat humor to fill its one-hour and 43-minute runtime.
Exploring the Dark Side of Schizophrenia in ‘The Voices’
However, the dark comedy doesn’t necessarily paint a favorable picture of schizophrenia. As a work of fiction, The Voices isn’t a commentary on how people with schizophrenia typically behave in real life. If you find the subject matter too sensitive, it’s best to avoid the film. Ultimately, Jerry is a serial killer, and his mental illness is the driving force behind his heinous crimes.
The film does its best to explore the root of Jerry’s issues, with one of the most poignant scenes being his conversation with his therapist, Dr. Warren (played by Jacki Weaver). Although she’s tied up against her will, this scene delves into the core of Jerry’s problems. In some ways, Jerry is reminiscent of J.D from Heathers – both men are lost souls with deplorable actions, haunted by the loss of their mothers to suicide and tormented by their fathers.
Dark Comedy Shines in ‘The Voices’
Similar to how Jojo Rabbit found humor in a grim subject and Heathers elevated the teenage romance comedy to murderous heights, The Voices excels in its dark comedy. Gemma Arterton’s character, for example, is hilarious as Jerry’s love interest and headless talking woman. Although this may be a spoiler, the trailer reveals Arterton’s fate and features several scenes of her headless character conversing with Jerry. The bizarre nature of these interactions fits perfectly within the context of the film and Jerry’s character.
Anna Kendrick also shines as the love interest, bringing purity and charisma to her role. Her presence adds a sense of balance to Jerry’s chaotic life. The film may evoke tears, as the subject matter is undeniably grim, but it doesn’t manipulate emotions. If you’re a fan of Ryan Reynolds’ humor, The Voices is a must-watch. Beneath the murder and mayhem lies a deeper meaning, and the indie dark comedy effectively blends humor and drama to create a captivating experience.
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