A group of climbers embarks on a dangerous climb that has been off-limits for years. What initially begins as an audacious expedition transforms into a battle for survival against a force that toys with them.
In the realm of horror thrillers, Brendan Devane’s “The Sound” distinguishes itself by prioritizing an enveloping soundscape over flashy visuals. The story centers on a select group of top-tier climbers who receive a rare green light to tackle the Forbidden Wall—a formidable cliff cloaked in secrecy since a tragic climb six decades ago when every member of that earlier expedition disappeared or died under mysterious circumstances. The current team is headed by Colton (Nicholas Baroudi), a driven and somewhat self-important mountaineer determined to claim the peak he’s long coveted.
As their journey up the mountain unfolds, the climbers are bombarded by a series of inexplicable events. Eerie sounds, demonic voices, vivid hallucinations, and even moments where some seem overtaken by otherworldly forces unsettle the group, with certain members crawling up the rock in unnerving, unnatural ways. Back at base camp, their colleagues scramble to help, only to find their communications abruptly severed. Turning to local wisdom, they consult Chief Guyustees (Wayne Charles Baker) of the tribal council, who warns them of a sinister presence on the mountain—an evil spirit capable of manipulating people and pushing them toward self-harm.
The plot thickens as the summit draws near: one climber is unmasked as an undercover agent working for a shadowy U.S. organization intent on destroying the vengeful entity, supposedly trapped under a giant boulder. The presence of a second operative, sent as backup, is also revealed. Yet the supernatural force proves to be far more formidable and intelligent than either operative anticipated, resisting any attempts to be neutralized.
While “The Sound” hooks viewers with its premise, it sometimes dwells too long on the personal histories of its characters, leaving the true origins and motives of the mountain’s spirit largely unexplored and open to audience speculation. Devane nonetheless maintains suspense and intrigue throughout, even if some aspects of the mythology remain purposefully unclear.
Visually, the film impresses with its tense, carefully orchestrated climbing scenes. Cinematographers Ryan Galvan and Brett Lowell make full use of a wide 2.91:1 frame, capturing striking aerial shots of Mount Charleston in Nevada and Mazama, Washington—both standing in for the fictional Forbidden Wall. The cast delivers strong performances, and although the ending hints at future installments, the film stands well on its own. It’s unlikely a sequel would offer much beyond a repeat of the harrowing climb and ghostly encounters.
All told, “The Sound” is a gripping thriller, heightened by horror sequences—especially those involving climbers endangered by possessed companions scaling the wall recklessly and turning violent. Anyone with acrophobia may find the film particularly nerve-wracking, but for the brave, it delivers a taut and atmospheric thrill ride.
In Theaters and on VOD Friday, June 27th
