The title of director Sean O. McGuiness’ indie thriller may imply a sense of quietness and solitude, but contrary to assumptions, She Listens Alone is full of cat and mouse suspense. Focusing on the special bond between therapist and patient, screenwriter Joe Verrastro crafts a simmering portrait of parasocial obsession and misguided trust.

Gratitude Evolves into a Dangerous Obsession

Thirty year old Sabrina Nolan (Alivia Levie) is stuck in a rut. A successful virtual therapist, she spends her days helping people with their problems but has trouble seeing clearly when it comes to her own life. This includes ignoring relationship red flags, like her boyfriend commenting that he still isn’t ready to settle down after two years together. Feeling insecure in her relationship, Sabrina inadvertently lets her professional guard down when she meets her new patient, Andrew (Wyatt Tithof). Andrew is a mild mannered and vulnerable young man who connects with Sabrina immediately.

In the beginning, the relationship is mutually beneficial. Sabrina feels like she’s making a difference and Andrew finally feels seen. However, Andrew starts crossing the therapist/patient boundary as his gratitude quickly evolves into a dangerous obsession. Andrew’s inappropriate actions include stalking Sabrina outside of her home and sending flowers, which fuels her already present feelings of paranoia. Despite begging for help and receiving no empathy or assistance from law enforcement, Sabrina must figure a way out of this situation all on her own.

A Compelling Thriller in Spite of Overcompensating Elements

On paper, She Listens Alone has all of the elements of a compelling thriller. A smart and successful woman finds herself psychologically tormented by a disturbed individual, despite her initial efforts to do everything she can to help him. Yet the film veers a little off track in the production, particularly the performances. Alivia Levie leans into melodrama while playing the role of Sabrina, which is perfectly suited for the Lifetime or Hallmark echelon of film. The music also tends to overcompensate in its effort to portray this emotional journey. Rather than letting the audience come to their own conclusions, the score feels like it’s forcing a visceral response.

Director’s Statement

“We work through screens, we build friendships online, we invite strangers into our homes through video calls. The distance between our personal and professional lives has never been smaller. Sabrina’s greatest strength is her empathy. It is also what puts her in danger. The threat in this story is obsession, made unsettling by how possible it feels. She Listens Alone explores what happens when empathy meets obsession – and the screen between two people no longer keeps them apart.” – Sean O. McGuiness

Takeaway

She Listens Alone explores an interesting premise about the false sense of security that relationships fostered virtually through a screen seem safe.