Voiceless is a touching and inspiring short film that follows Joe (Matt Hansen), a young man navigating the challenges of living with a stammer. As he attempts to get through an ordinary day, a series of events compel him to confront his fears—especially the fear of using his voice in a world that often misunderstands him. Encouraged by his closest friends, Catie (Martina Zucconelli) and Eloise (Cari Griffiths), Joe is invited to join their performance group of writers and storytellers. This invitation becomes a turning point, challenging him to step beyond his limitations and into a space of expression and vulnerability.
Throughout his journey, Joe encounters people who fail to grasp the nature of his speech difference, including Ben (Laurence Hezili Perry), whose lack of understanding mirrors a broader societal disconnect. Written by Matt Hansen and directed by Thomas Schubert, Voiceless follows Joe’s emotional and transformative path, blending humor, hardship, and hope as he learns to embrace his voice—not in spite of his stammer, but because of it.
The cinematography (Tobi Ejirele) beautifully frames the story, using a mix of charming interiors and sun-drenched exteriors to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. These visual backdrops help the audience connect with the characters and feel at ease in their world. In contrast, scenes depicting Joe’s anxiety are shot with a palpable sense of pressure, drawing the viewer into his emotional state during public speaking or storytelling moments. The heightened tension is further amplified by Dominic Carrington’s original music, which effectively conveys Joe’s inner turmoil. The score skillfully balances cheerful, uplifting moments with more intense scenes of stress, guiding the audience through the emotional journey of Joe and the other characters.
Hansen delivers a standout performance as Joe, leading a talented ensemble of young actors. He brings a heartfelt and emotionally rich portrayal of a young man driven by a passion for self-improvement and a desire to find his voice. Balancing the challenges of his character’s public speaking struggles, Hansen offers a convincing and nuanced depiction of living with a stutter in today’s world. The audience genuinely feels his anxiety and roots for him as he strives to overcome his obstacles.
Zucconelli gives a touchingly endearing performance as Catie, Joe’s thoughtful and loyal friend. Griffiths, as Eloise, brings a light, natural bubbly charm to her comedic lines, delivering them with an easygoing warmth. Both performances contribute to a believable sense of realism that deepens the audience’s emotional connection to the characters.
Voiceless is a poignant and thought-provoking film that tells the story of a young man who grapples with speech differences that shapes his interactions with the world. The wittily crafted script by Hansen demonstrates the challenges one may face in the journey to find their voice. Joe is pushed outside his comfort zone in ways that challenge his deepest fears—especially his fear of public speaking. As he confronts these fears, he realizes the surprising clout of his own voice, especially when Catie records a personal story for him to recite to the group.
Through Schubert’s profound direction, Voiceless captures the raw emotion of Joe’s struggle, making the film both inspiring and deeply relatable. The narrative unfolds in unexpected ways, leaving the audience with a lasting message about the power of self-acceptance and finding one’s voice – no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
