critics consensus

Smart, fun, and tightly assembled, Soundwave offers a welcome reminder that engaging sci-fi stories can be told without relying on blockbuster special effects. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

A teenage inventor's life is turned upside down when a nefarious group learns he has invented a device that allows him to listen in on things from the past.

Genre:

sci fi
Original Language:

English
Director:

Dylan K. Narang
Producer:

Dylan K. Narang, Jeff Robinson
Writer:

Dylan K. Narang
Release Date (Streaming):

Apr 14, 2020
Runtime:

1h 36m

Cast & Crew

Hunter Doohan
Ben Boyles

Katie Owsley
Katie

Paul Tassone
Frank

Mike Beaver
Antonio

Vince Nappo
Macy

Andrew Bongiorno
Landon

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Critic Reviews for Soundwave

All Critics (20) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (3)

Soundwave gets so caught up in Ben's evasion of Frank that it sacrifices the promise of its interesting sci-fi ideas and its throwback sensibility, instead devolving into a generic thriller.

June 8, 2020 | Full Review…

Cynthia Vinney
CBR
Smart, slick-looking, idea-driven sci-fi chase film about a boy genius trying to keep his good invention out of bad hands.

May 25, 2020 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Jim Schembri
jimschembri.com
Imagination most matured, this is. Resourceful, punch-packing, and straight-up fun.

May 22, 2020 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Bill Arceneaux
Neaux Reel Idea
Soundwave isn't looking to reflect on the implications of Hunter's invention, but rather with creating an effective thriller. [Full Review in Spanish]

May 22, 2020 | Full Review…

Rafael Paz
Butaca Ancha
This enjoyable if rather lightweight outing will appeal to younger teenagers and pass the time well enough for older viewers, but one is left hoping that its big idea will be picked up and given the more substantial treatment that it deserves.

May 21, 2020 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review…

Jennie Kermode
Eye for Film
It is on the whole engaging although the script, especially the emotionally charged sections, is not as focused as it needs to be leading to the film feeling longer than it actually is.

May 19, 2020 | Full Review…

Rosalynn Try-Hane
Liquid Marmalade
If you like discovering new sci-fi films, give Soundwave a try; its focus on realism despite the fantastical, plus its focus on character, will keep you intrigued.

May 18, 2020 | Full Review…

Monique Jones
Just Add Color
If 1999's The Sixth Sense was the movie that featured a boy who uttered, "I see dead people," Soundwave could easily be tagged as the film with a boy who could mutter, "I hear dead people."

May 16, 2020 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
Still, I would recommend Soundwave for aspiring filmmakers at least for seeing a low-budget film tackle a high-concept idea without relying on special effects as a smokescreen.

May 15, 2020 | Full Review…

Jordan Calhoun
Black Nerd Problems
Soundwave is clearly small budget film but was very well shot and edited to give you a close enough look and feel to what you would usually get from a big budget Sci-fi film.

May 14, 2020 | Rating: 6.8/10 | Full Review…

Tony Asankomah
GhMovieFreak
'Soundwave' is taut; no moments seem wasted. It's a nifty little picture that, despite some shortcomings, will capture your imagination.

May 12, 2020 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
By the time it's into ever-requisite flashback mode (signaled by the caption reading 'One Week Ago'), writer/director Dylan K. Narang already has shown off a bag of nifty tricks on how to make a low-budget film look like a million or more.

May 10, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

John Urbancich
Your Movies (cleveland.com)