Rebecca Hall Is a Teacher Whose Life Unravels When She Starts Hearing a Low Humming Sound in ‘The Listeners’ (Exclusive Clip)

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As a gamer with a penchant for immersive narratives, I must say that Rebecca Hall‘s performance in “The Listeners” has piqued my interest like no other. The premise of hearing an unheard sound resonates deeply with my own experiences of deciphering cryptic game codes or hidden messages.

In the upcoming five-part television series titled “The Listeners“, Rebecca Hall takes center stage, with direction by Janicza Bravo (known for “Poker Face” and “Zola“) for the BBC. This intriguing production is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on a Saturday.

In Jordan Tannahill’s self-penned screen adaptation of his own novel, the role of Claire, a well-known teacher, is portrayed by Hall. She starts experiencing an eerie low humming noise that seems to be inaudible to those around her. The Hollywood Reporter has obtained an exclusive sneak peek at the series, which will be broadcast on BBC in the UK later this year and was produced by Element Pictures, known for their work on “Normal People”.

In the clip, Claire’s life starts to unravel as she struggles to make sense of the sound.

The series revolves around Claire as an unexplained noise progressively disrupts the harmony of her life, causing friction with her husband Paul and daughter Ashley. Despite numerous medical examinations, no apparent cause is detected. A student of hers named Kyle shares the same inexplicable auditory experience, leading them to form a surprising and intimate bond. As they grow estranged from their families, friends, and work colleagues, they connect with a diverse group of neighbors, headed by an alluring couple, Jo and Omar, who likewise claim to hear what they call ‘The Hum’. They believe this phenomenon is a unique gift, audible only to a select few.

Episodes 1 and 2 will be screened at TIFF.

“Working on the adaptation of ‘The Listeners‘ provided me with the privilege of collaborating with some outstanding artists in our field, including Janicza Bravo, Rebecca Hall, and the crew at Element Pictures, among others,” Tannahill shared with THR. “Additionally, it allowed me to further explore a tale I had already immersed myself in for several years by that stage.”

He’s open to additional television or movie adaptations of his works, as long as there’s a compelling story that resonates with him, and the right group of collaborators are involved. He stated, “If I come across a tale that captivates me in the same way, and I find the perfect team to work with, then I would indeed consider another screen adaptation.”

Bravo shared with THR how they had to make crucial audio choices for the show. “On set, we had a range of sounds at our disposal which our sound designer compiled into a library,” she said. “Some of these sounds were sharp and piercing, while others were deep and guttural.”

She expressed: “It’s not unusual for me to have an experience that others can’t relate to. Although I don’t hear sounds that others can’t, I do tread a path that most people can’t perceive. Claire’s situation mirrors my own. I often find myself in a body that encounters the surreal on a regular basis.”

Watch the exclusive clip for The Listeners below.

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2024-09-06 14:25