THE LISTENER Trailer (2024) Tessa Thompson

THE LISTENER Trailer (2024) Tessa Thompson

THE LISTENER Trailer (2024) Tessa Thompson, directed by Steve Buscemi
© 2024 - Vertical

"It isn't about me… I'm just hearing their stories, they're the ones living them." Vertical has revealed their trailer for an indie film titled The Listener, a solo drama starring Tessa Thompson as the only person actually in the film. The latest work directed by Steve Buscemi, who also made the underrated Interview back in 2007. After first premiering at festivals in 2022 and playing throughout 2023 on the festival circuit, The Listener is finally set for a proper debut at the end of March this year. Beth is a crisis helpline volunteer that gets on the phone every night, fielding calls from people feeling lonely, broken, and hopeless. During tonight’s shift, the stakes rise: is this the night she will save a hurting soul - or lose one? Tessa Thompson stars as Beth; other voices heard on the phone come from actors Rebecca Hall, Derek Cecil, Margaret Cho, Blu del Barrio, Jamie Hector, and Logan Marshall-Green. It's similar to The Guilty, but with an entirely different premise with Beth and what she goes through on this end of the phone. Worth a listen.

Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Steve Buscemi's The Listener, direct from Vertical's YouTube:

The Listener Poster

Tessa Thompson plays Beth, a helpline volunteer who's part of a small army that gets on the phone every night across America, fielding calls from all kinds of people feeling lonely, broken, hopeless. Over the last year, the tide has become a tsunami. As Beth goes through her shift, the stakes rise: is this the night she will lose someone? Save someone? Eventually, Beth’s own story comes to light, revealing why she does it. All along we remain with her: listening, comforting, connecting – patching the world back together, one stitch at a time. The Listener is directed by acclaimed American actor / filmmaker Steve Buscemi, director of the indie films Trees Lounge, Animal Factory, Lonesome Jim, and Interview previously, plus some TV directing work including on "Portlandia" and "Miracle Workers" most recently. The screenplay is written by Alessandro Camon. It's produced by Wren Arthur, Steve Buscemi, Lauren Hantz, Oren Moverman, & Tessa Thompson. This initially premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival sidebar Giornate degli Autori. Vertical will debut Buscemi's The Listener in select US theaters + on VOD starting March 29th, 2024 this spring.

Tessa Thompson takes center stage in the forthcoming indie drama ‘The Listener,’ as depicted in the recently unveiled trailer by Vertical Entertainment. Directed by the actor/director Steve Buscemi, the film is a poignant exploration of human connection and empathy.

Set to premiere on March 29, 2024, “The Listener” introduces us to Beth, portrayed by Thompson, a dedicated crisis helpline volunteer who spends her nights fielding calls from individuals grappling with loneliness and despair. As the trailer unfolds, we witness Beth navigating the emotional complexities of her role, wondering if she will be able to save a soul or face the devastating prospect of losing someone.

READ: Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Life and Story to Be Chronicled in ‘ODB: A Son Unique’ Podcast

‘The Listener’ trailer opens with Thompson’s character, Beth, answering a ringing phone in her dimly lit home. Each call brings a new story of pain and desperation, as Beth listens intently, offering comfort and support. Through quick cuts and poignant dialogue exchanges, the trailer captures the complexity of Beth’s nightly encounters.

What sets “The Listener” apart is its unique storytelling approach, with Thompson’s character serving as the sole on-screen presence accompanied only by her loyal canine companion. However, the film is enriched by a talented ensemble of voice actors who bring life to the voices on the other end of the line. The voice cast includes Rebecca Hall, Logan Marshall-Green, Margaret Cho, Alia Shawkat, Derek Cecil, Ricky Velez, Casey Wilson, Jamie Hector, Blu Del Barrio, and Bobby Soto.

Through its intimate portrayal of Beth’s nightly struggles, “The Listener” delves into themes of isolation, resilience, and the power of human connection. As viewers are drawn into Beth’s world, they are reminded of the profound impact a compassionate listener can have on those in need.

Watch the trailer below.

The production team comprises Wren Arthur, Steve Buscemi, Oren Moverman, Lauren Hantz, and Tessa Thompson as producers, with John Hantz, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman, and Suzanne Warren serving as executive producers. Co-producers for the film are Billy Mulligan and Kat Barnette.