Things Heard & Seen is a 2021 American supernatural horror film on Netflix, starring Amanda Seyfried and James Norton. The plot follows a young couple who move to a historic hamlet in the Hudson Valley and discover that their marriage has a sinister darkness, one that rivals their new home’s history.
Are you drawn to stories where the supernatural intertwines with human drama, leaving you questioning what’s real? Netflix delivers one such chilling tale with Things Heard & Seen, a psychological horror film that promises more than just jump scares. This slow-burn journey follows a marriage unraveling amidst eerie apparitions and sinister secrets, forcing viewers to question the very fabric of reality.
Whether you’ve already seen Things Heard & Seen and are pondering its deeper meanings, or you are simply deciding whether to press play, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive review, we peel back every layer of this intriguing film. We will cover the complete plot, introduce the talented cast (including Amanda Seyfried and James Norton), and unpack the true story that inspired the narrative. Most importantly, we will dissect the shocking twist and enigmatic ending to explain why this movie haunts viewers long after the credits roll.
Before we analyze the film’s symbolism and ghostly encounters, we must first establish its chilling foundation. The story follows Catherine and George Clare into their foreboding upstate New York home. Let’s dive into the core plot of Things Heard & Seen.
What is the Plot of Things Heard and Seen?
A New Beginning in a Haunted Home
The film Things Heard & Seen introduces the Clare family: George, Catherine, and their young daughter, Franny. Seeking a fresh start, they leave their bustling Manhattan life for a picturesque yet isolated hamlet in upstate New York, where George has accepted a teaching position at a local college.
Their new home is a beautiful, historic farmhouse that quickly reveals an unsettling atmosphere. Catherine, a former art restorer, feels a distinct chill within its walls and notices strange, inexplicable occurrences, such as cold spots and a mysteriously appearing antique ring. Adding to the unease, she learns that the previous owners, the Smits, met a tragic end in the house.
As George becomes engrossed in his new role, Catherine’s isolation deepens, making her more sensitive to the house’s peculiar energy. Subtle clues begin to hint at a dark history, and the initial excitement of their new beginning slowly gives way to a creeping sense of dread. The house itself starts to feel like a living entity, observing their every move.
Unraveling Sinister Secrets
As Catherine spends more time alone, the house’s sinister secrets begin to emerge. She discovers a past filled with tragedy and violence, specifically linked to the women who once lived there. An undeniable spiritual presence seems to resonate with Catherine’s own vulnerability, and she begins to feel a deep connection to these past inhabitants.
Simultaneously, George’s charming facade begins to crack, revealing his true nature. Catherine uncovers disturbing truths about his past, including academic plagiarism and escalating infidelities. His behavior also becomes increasingly manipulative and controlling, causing him to grow distant and suspicious.
The supernatural occurrences intensify, mirroring the growing marital discord. Catherine soon realizes she faces danger on two fronts: a malevolent spiritual entity within the house and her own deceitful husband. The plot of Things Heard and Seen expertly blends these narrative threads, creating a chilling tale where the living and the dead converge in a terrifying climax.
Who is in the Cast of Things Heard and Seen?
Amanda Seyfried as Catherine Clare
The immensely talented Amanda Seyfried steps into the haunting role of Catherine Clare. She portrays Catherine, an artist and former art restorer, with profound vulnerability and growing dread. Her journey from a hesitant newcomer to a woman grappling with marital strife and a supernatural presence forms the emotional core of Things Heard & Seen.
Seyfried’s nuanced performance adeptly captures Catherine’s struggles with loneliness and her husband’s manipulative tendencies, making the character’s isolation and fear palpable. This role builds upon her established career, which showcases her versatility across genres [source: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1067823/].
Fans will recognize Seyfried from acclaimed works such as:
- Mamma Mia! (Sophie Sheridan)
- Les Misérables (Cosette)
- Mank (Marion Davies), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Her ability to convey deep, often subtle emotion makes Catherine Clare a compelling character.
James Norton as George Clare
James Norton brings the charming yet increasingly sinister George Clare to life. As Catherine’s husband, George is a college professor whose ambition and secrets drive much of the film’s tension. Norton expertly navigates the character’s duality, presenting a seemingly devoted partner who harbors dark intentions.
His performance is crucial to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, making George both believable and chilling. Norton’s convincing transformation from a good-natured man to a terrifying antagonist keeps viewers guessing about his true nature.
Many viewers might know Norton from his impactful roles in:
- Happy Valley (Tommy Lee Royce)
- Grantchester (Sidney Chambers)
- Little Women (John Brooke)
His work in Things Heard and Seen solidifies his reputation for tackling complex, morally ambiguous characters, elevating the psychological thriller aspect of the film.
Supporting Cast
While Seyfried and Norton lead, a strong ensemble of supporting actors enriches the narrative of Things Heard & Seen. These performers add layers of depth to the small-town setting and the unfolding mystery.
Key members of the supporting cast include:
- Rhea Seehorn as Justine Sokolov: As George’s sharp and observant colleague, Justine plays a pivotal role in uncovering his unsettling behaviors. Seehorn, widely celebrated for her role in Better Call Saul, brings a compelling intelligence and skepticism to the character.
- Michael O’Keefe as Travis Laughton: As a local realtor and pillar of the community, Travis provides context for the house’s haunted history. His presence adds a grounded realism that counterbalances the supernatural elements.
- Karen Allen as Mare Laughton: Mare, Travis’s wife, is a kind figure who befriends Catherine. Allen, famous as Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark, brings a warmth that contrasts sharply with the film’s growing dread.
- F. Murray Abraham as Floyd DeSevers: Playing the head of the art history department where George teaches, Floyd brings academic gravitas to the story. An Academy Award winner, Abraham also adds significant prestige to the cast [source: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/57th].
- Alex Neustaedter as Eddy Vayle: Eddy is a young, spiritual handyman who helps Catherine and connects her to the paranormal aspects of the house. His sincere performance adds another layer of intrigue to the eerie events.
Collectively, the supporting cast delivers powerful performances that heighten the film’s atmospheric tension and emotional depth. Each actor helps weave the intricate tapestry of this chilling horror movie.
What is the real story behind Things Heard and Seen?
Based on the Novel ‘All Things Cease to Appear’
The chilling narrative of Things Heard & Seen is a screen adaptation of the acclaimed novel, All Things Cease to Appear.
Written by Elizabeth Brundage, the gripping book weaves together elements of a ghost story and a domestic thriller, with a focus on complex family dynamics.
Published in 2016, the novel quickly garnered praise for its atmospheric prose and captivating, intricate plot.
The film largely follows the book’s core story, maintaining the unsettling blend of supernatural horror and marital discord. While fans of the novel will recognize key plot points, some details and character nuances were adjusted for the screen. Ultimately, the movie captures the essence of Brundage’s dark vision.
Inspiration from a Real-Life Crime
The unsettling foundation of Things Heard & Seen comes from a dark true story. Author Elizabeth Brundage drew inspiration from a real-life crime, which adds a layer of chilling authenticity to her novel.
The case that influenced Brundage’s work is the infamous Krauseneck murder, which occurred in Brighton, New York, in 1982. In this tragedy, a young mother named Cathleen Krauseneck was found brutally murdered in her home [1].
Although her husband, James Krauseneck, was the primary suspect, the case remained unsolved for decades until he was convicted of her murder in 2021 [1]. This long-standing mystery and its domestic setting fascinated Brundage.
Brundage used key aspects of this event as a springboard to craft a fictional narrative around similar themes, such as:
- A seemingly perfect couple in a new, isolated home.
- Hidden tensions and secrets within a marriage.
- A shocking act of violence that unravels lives.
It’s important to remember that the film and book are not direct retellings. As works of fiction, they take creative liberties, using these real-world elements to explore darker human nature and the lingering effects of past trauma.
What is the twist in Things Heard and Seen?
The Ending Explained
Instead of a single, sudden revelation, the “twist” in Things Heard and Seen is a gradual, chilling understanding of two key truths. First, we realize the true depths of George Clare’s depravity. More profoundly, we witness the pervasive and active power of the spiritual realm within the haunted farmhouse.
The film culminates in a tragic and supernatural reckoning after Catherine Clare discovers George’s affair. She also uncovers his past deceits, realizing he was responsible for her eating disorder and likely murdered his previous employer, Mr. Lorsch.
Feeling trapped and exposed, George commits the ultimate betrayal by murdering Catherine. He first drugs her and then stages her death to look like a suicide.
However, George does not escape justice, as the spirits inhabiting the house interfere. They are angry and protective of the women George has harmed. Among them is Ella Vayle, the prior owner’s wife, who also died in the house as a victim of a cruel, powerful man. Ella’s spirit, along with other benevolent presences, seeks retribution.
The spirits influence George’s actions, guiding him toward his downfall. When he attempts to flee on his sailboat, a fiery explosion engulfs the vessel, resulting in his spectacular demise. This event is not accidental; it is a form of divine—or rather, spectral—judgment, ensuring he pays for his sins.
In essence, the twist reveals that George is truly evil and beyond redemption. Furthermore, it shows the supernatural forces are not passive observers but active agents of karma, ensuring justice is served outside the bounds of human law. Catherine’s spirit joins them, finally achieving a sense of peace as she embraces her newfound spiritual freedom.
Symbolism and Themes
Things Heard and Seen weaves a rich tapestry of symbolism and explores several profound themes. Let’s delve into some of the key aspects:
- The Haunted House as a Metaphor: More than just a setting, the old farmhouse mirrors the decaying marriage of Catherine and George. Its secrets and trapped spirits represent their unspoken truths and symbolize their escalating conflict.
- Good vs. Evil and Spiritual Warfare: The film presents a clear battle between benevolent spirits and malevolent human actions. The house itself holds a spiritual charge that draws out George’s darkness while simultaneously empowering Catherine’s resilience. The spirits act as guardians of moral order, delivering justice where human systems fail.
- Feminine Oppression and Empowerment: A central theme is the subjugation of women. Catherine, Ella, and the original owner’s wife all face similar fates as victims of dominant, manipulative men. The spirits, predominantly female, represent a collective voice rising to confront this historical injustice. In death, Catherine finds her true strength, transcending her earthly suffering.
- Art, Faith, and Authenticity: Catherine’s art restoration work symbolizes her desire for truth, seeking to reveal beauty hidden beneath layers of decay. George, conversely, is an academic fraud whose work is based on lies, highlighting the contrast between authenticity and deception. The film also touches on spiritualism, exploring the search for meaning beyond the material world.
- Karma and Retribution: Perhaps the most significant symbolic element is the concept of cyclical justice. The film suggests that past atrocities echo through time, demanding resolution. George’s fiery end is therefore not just a death but a purification that cleanses the space of his evil influence, bringing peace to the tormented souls. The original novel, All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage, explores these deep themes extensively, earning critical praise for its psychological depth and narrative complexity [source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25732296-all-things-cease-to-appear].
Ultimately, the twist deepens the narrative, transforming a domestic thriller into a tale of spiritual reckoning. It’s a haunting exploration of consequence and cosmic justice.
Is the movie Things Heard and Seen a good movie?
Strengths: Performances and Atmosphere
Things Heard & Seen shines brightest thanks to the captivating performances of its lead actors. Amanda Seyfried gives a nuanced portrayal of Catherine Clare, a woman unsettled by her new life and growing isolation. Her performance anchors the film, skillfully conveying Catherine’s mounting dread and vulnerability.
As George Clare, James Norton is equally compelling. He masterfully shifts from a charming academic to someone far more sinister, creating palpable on-screen tension. Their chemistry, even when fraught with conflict, is undeniable. The supporting cast also delivers solid work that grounds the eerie narrative.
The film also excels at building an unsettling atmosphere. The production design and cinematography, centered on a decaying farmhouse in remote upstate New York, create a pervasive sense of dread. The 1980s setting is subtly woven into the aesthetic, enhancing the feeling of isolation. This slow-burn approach allows supernatural elements to seep in gradually, making each ghostly encounter more impactful.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Genre Blend
However, the film’s most notable weakness is its pacing. While some viewers may appreciate a deliberate slow burn, others will find the narrative excessively slow. The story unfolds so gradually that it may test the patience of anyone expecting a traditional, fast-paced horror movie.
The movie also struggles with a muddled identity. It ambitiously attempts to blend several genres: psychological thriller, supernatural horror, and domestic drama. Because of this, the various narrative threads do not always connect seamlessly. The supernatural elements, though atmospheric, often take a backseat to the marital drama, creating an uneven experience for fans of pure horror.
Final Verdict: Who Should Watch It?
So, is Things Heard & Seen worth watching? The answer depends heavily on your cinematic tastes. This is not a film for viewers seeking jump scares or constant frights. Instead, it is a character-driven, atmospheric piece that rewards a patient audience.
We recommend Things Heard & Seen for:
- Fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers.
- Viewers who appreciate strong performances, especially from Amanda Seyfried and James Norton.
- Those interested in a blend of domestic drama with subtle supernatural undertones.
- Anyone who enjoys films with a strong emphasis on mood and atmosphere over overt scares.
On the other hand, you may want to skip this film if you prefer action-packed horror, a straightforward ghost story, or a fast-paced plot. Ultimately, Things Heard & Seen is a thought-provoking, if imperfect, film that offers a unique spin on the haunted house subgenre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things Heard & Seen
What time period is Things Heard and Seen set in?
The chilling events of Things Heard & Seen unfold in the early 1980s, a time period crucial to the film’s atmosphere and plot [2].
Filmmakers made deliberate choices to reflect the era through subtle details like analog technology, period-specific fashion, and home decor. The absence of modern distractions, such as smartphones, heightens the main character Catherine Clare’s sense of isolation.
This setting also emphasizes the characters’ reliance on local connections and limited access to information, which perfectly feeds into the film’s supernatural horror elements.
Is there a sequel, Things Heard and Seen 2?
As of now, there are no official plans for a Things Heard & Seen 2. The film’s definitive ending ties up the main narrative threads, leaving little room for a direct continuation of Catherine and George’s story. The supernatural elements also find a dark, but conclusive, resolution.
Horror thrillers based on standalone novels rarely receive direct sequels, and this film fits that pattern. As a result, viewers can consider Things Heard & Seen a complete, self-contained narrative experience.
What is the book Things Heard and Seen is based on?
Things Heard & Seen is based on the acclaimed novel ‘All Things Cease to Appear’ by Elizabeth Brundage [3].
Brundage’s novel is a dark, atmospheric literary thriller that weaves a gripping tale of marriage, murder, and the supernatural. Exploring themes of domestic horror and psychological suspense, the film adaptation successfully captures the book’s eerie tone and complex character dynamics.
Fans of the movie may enjoy delving into the source material, as the book offers greater character depth and further insight into the haunted history of the Clare family’s home.
