Things Heard & Seen (2021) is an American psychological horror film directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Adapted from Elizabeth Brundage’s novel All Things Cease to Appear, the film stars Amanda Seyfried and James Norton in lead roles. Set in the 1980s, the movie combines elements of supernatural horror with a chilling psychological exploration of marriage, secrets, and the dark forces that shape our lives. The plot takes viewers on a journey through an eerie small-town setting, blending the tension of a strained marriage with unsettling paranormal occurrences.

The film centers around Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and George (James Norton), a couple who move to a remote upstate New York farmhouse for George’s new teaching job. At first, the house seems idyllic, but Catherine soon discovers that it harbors a dark past. As she uncovers unsettling secrets about George’s previous life and the house’s history, strange events begin to occur, blurring the line between reality and supernatural forces. Catherine’s growing suspicions about her husband’s true nature form the backbone of the suspense, and the story takes viewers on a psychological and emotional rollercoaster.

One of the central themes in Things Heard & Seen is the deception within relationships. As Catherine unravels the mysteries surrounding her new home and her husband, she discovers that George has been hiding not just secrets about the house, but also his own dark past. His lies and betrayals lead to a devastating revelation that shifts the narrative from a ghost story to a story about the true horror of human relationships. The film explores how deceit can haunt individuals, much like the supernatural forces that plague the house, showing how emotional and psychological manipulation can leave deep scars.

The supernatural elements in Things Heard & Seen are integral to its eerie atmosphere. The house itself is a character, holding the spirits of the past, while strange occurrences — such as strange noises, mysterious apparitions, and unsettling visions — add layers of suspense. The film uses these supernatural events not only to build horror but also as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological toll of the characters’ actions. The foggy, shadowy cinematography and haunting score enhance the chilling mood, making the audience feel trapped in both the house and the couple’s deteriorating relationship.

The performances by Amanda Seyfried and James Norton are key to the film’s success. Seyfried’s portrayal of Catherine is both vulnerable and determined, capturing a woman who is desperate to uncover the truth about her life while struggling with the confines of a toxic marriage. Norton plays George with a subtle menace, creating a character whose charm hides a darker side. Their evolving dynamic as the story progresses is both gripping and unsettling, with their performances highlighting the emotional and psychological weight of the narrative.

Things Heard & Seen (2021) is a compelling psychological horror film that blends the terror of the supernatural with the darker aspects of human nature. Through its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and themes of deceit and betrayal, the film captivates its audience, offering a gripping exploration of the complexities of marriage and the haunting power of secrets. While the supernatural elements are unsettling, it is the very real horrors of human relationships that leave the deepest impact, making Things Heard & Seen a haunting, unforgettable experience.