Still Small Voices (2007 TV Movie) User Reviews

Surprisingly Great Television Movie

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 3 January 2009]

In New York, the operator Michael Summer (Catherine Bell) returns to her work in the 911 Dispatch after the stillbirth of her daughter Emma in the delivery. Michael is still traumatized, having nightmares with a little girl abducting her daughter in the delivery room. When Michael reports a call from a six year-old girl in a house in fire, the address is not found by the rescue team and there is no record of the call in the computer, and her boss asks her to take a vacation to seek psychiatric help. While at home, she receives another call from the girl and the disturbed Michael becomes obsessed to find the girl. She drives to Pennsylvania where she finds Bud Atherton (Damir Andrei), the owner of a newspaper in the little town Starlight, who helps her to follow her leads. Meanwhile, her husband Ash Summer (Mark Humphrey) seeks her out since Dr. Elaine Trussle (Mimi Kuzyk) has just discovered that Michael has an aneurism and needs to be urgently operated. Ash waits for new from Michael in the house of her mother Ann Hartley (Deborah Grover), who had also dedicated her life to help people, while his wife unravels a hidden secret.

"Still Small Voices" is a surprisingly great television movie, with a solid screenplay with an unpredictable twist in the end. The plot and the characters are very well developed, supported by an excellent direction and a good performance of Catherine Bell. I love movies that surprise me with unexpected conclusions, and this is one of the best Canadian movies I have ever seen. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Vozes do Passado" ("Voices from the Past")

Forget the "Lifetime Movie" tag

[ArthurDental · 8/10 · 10 October 2010]

Lifetime movies have a certain reputation, and when I saw it in the name of the movie, currently available on Hulu, I was going to pass it up. But the title was atypical and intriguing, so I looked it up on IMDb and saw a good review (although I thought it was rated 5 at the time, and now it's apparently at 7; mystery). I decided to give it a try, and was very pleasantly surprised.

The acting was, for the most part, fantastic. The camera-work was competent, and the story intricate. The dialog is well-written and when I thought I figured it out, there was another twist. It was very well worth the time.

Parallel Universe?

[sol1218 · 7/10 · 28 August 2007]

***SPOILERS*** It takes a while for the made for TV movie "Still Small Voices" to get it's act together with 911 emergency operator Michael Summer, Catherine Bell, tracking down what exactly has been driving her almost insane since she almost bled to death on the operating table giving birth to a stillborn child. Michael had since been suffering hallucinations on her job and nightmares in her sleep about something that happened some thirty years ago that she's somehow connected to.

Forced to take an unwanted vacation by her boss Sgt. Gillett, Eugene Clark, Michael is then drawn to this out of the way town in rural Pennsylvania called Starlight. It's there that Michael is confronted with an event that in some strange way is responsible for what she's been going through the last few weeks the drowning of local 10 year-old girl Carrie Waverly, Emily Swiss. Just as were introduced to Carrie and the circumstances of her death or disappearance were confronted with this other ten year-old girl Nellie Lipton, Kendra Mio, who disappeared about the same time that Carrie did. What now comes into the picture, with the connection between Carrie and Nellie, is just what the two girls have to do with each other!

The film saves all it fireworks and surprises for the very end and it's well worth waiting for with the story up until then leaving it's audience almost totally confused to what's going on. Michaels visions of what happened to Carrie are right on target and so accurate to the point where they pinpoint to just who was responsible for both her kidnapping and possible murder a convicted both serial murder and arsonist named Burton Hayes, Charles Martin Smith.

The both shocking and totally out of the blue surprise ending is a bit too much to take but after it's sprung you realize that it's about the only thing that ties, as unrelated as they are, all the loose ends of the movie together. Michael discovers the truth behind Carrie's disappearance and that truth has to do with someone very close to her. There's also the story of this wild looking guy who keeps popping up in the movie with a star-like tattoo on his chest and ax who keeps breaking down doors. We and Michael get the impression that he had something to do with Carrie's, as well as her friends Nellie, death or disappearance.

****SPOILER ALERT**** It's only at the very end of the movie that Michael realizes that he, the crazy looking tattooed guy, was in fact the person who saved Carrie's life when she was left to die in a burning building by that psycho Burton Hayes. The "Star-Man" not realizing that Nellie was already dead tried to later rescue her like he did Carrie only to end up dying in the flames. As for Carrie she not only survived but grew up into adulthood and it's those circumstances and the person responsible for them that's undoubtedly the big surprise at the conclusion of "Still Small Voices".

Baby at end of movie

[ereid-7 · 18 January 2007]

The baby that played Michael Summer's (Catherine Bell) baby Annie did not receive any mention in the credits. Annie was played by my daughter Emily Reid. Both she and her twin sister Holly were cast for the role of Annie Summer. Holly was a bit grumpy by the time they began to shoot, so Emily did the entire shoot.

Catherine Bell did an amazing job of keeping Emily calm. By the end of the shoot I think Emily would have been just as happy to go home with Catherine as she would have with us.

I've only seen the end of the movie at this point, but every one I have spoken with that has seen this movie says it is riveting.

Entertaining

[dusan-22 · 6/10 · 4 January 2012]

Nice movie made with pretty involving plot development followed by tones of chill and mystery. I love the way that Michael investigates the crime. Very good acting, very good camera work and above all pretty tense movie. What could have made this movie looks better are few holes in movie developing. First of all there is a lack of the film music. It is a pity that such a good film work wasn't granted with any music whatsoever. Also, there are some holes in the character development. It looks somehow strange that one of the main characters (don't wanna spoil your fun and name him) simply disappears in another half of the movie. Could have been used after that at least at the end. The same goes with the smaller roles of Michael's psychiatrist and her chief. They show up in the movie and then they vanish without trace. All in all, nice entertainment for your night hours.

Wow! A thoroughly entertaining movie!

[tropicaltrs · 10/10 · 27 January 2007]

Excellent! Totally unexpected, this movie has it all. This is my first comment on a movie, but I enjoyed it so much, it deserved all the credit it can get. I am not often moved by movies, but all of us watching tonight could not hold back the tears at the end of this movie. Believable characters, excellent acting and a great story with a very different twist. Don't leave the room as you must follow carefully or you will miss the plot. It is not hard to stay put, as the pace is fast and filled with riveting action. The story was planned, told and wrapped up neatly into a great ending. Thoroughly entertaining and congratulations to everyone involved with this little movie.

Changing my opinion about Lifetime

[gttnmyphd · 10/10 · 8 January 2007]

I honestly wasn't a Lifetime channel watcher because the movies are always the same, but this one knocked me out. It was better than most I've seen in theaters. I thought I solved the mystery a couple times, but was wrong. Talk about plot twists! And everything added up at the end. The acting was very good across the board. Catherine Bell was great, totally believable and played the role very sympathetically on many levels without that typical Lifetime blubbering. I hadn't seen much of her before this. (I never saw Jag, but remember her from Bruce Almighty) We talked about the movie for twenty minutes after it ended, going over how things added up (like the Sixth Sense)and it really did add up. If you haven't seen it...PAY ATTENTION! There's one part we couldn't figure out...I won't spoil, had to do with losing some hair, but that's all I'll say, so I'm definitely watching it again to relive all those moments and figure that one out too. I never write comments on these sites. A+

A really great movie, full of suspense

[jm0277 · 10/10 · 30 March 2007]

I thought Catherine Bell played a wonderful part; it really showcased her skills in a way that some other parts have not. I've seen CB in a lot of other things (Men of War, JAG, Crash Dive, Hercules and Timeshifters, to name just a few), but it was really great to see her in something with a starring role, rather than a supporting/co-starring role; I feel it really gave her that space to shine! The opening scenes really hooked the viewer and the next few really drew them in. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole of the film, felt it flowed smoothly (kudos to Mario Azzopardi!)and I didn't even guess the ending until the big reveal! I usually find suspense and psychological movies a big let down, because I usually figure them out way before I'm 'supposed to'(Well done Jolene Rice!) This film was great and just like other viewers have commented to me, once the film finished, I would have happily started it up to watch all over again!

What a movie!

[Kmmal12 · 10/10 · 8 January 2007]

We all know that Catherine Bell is one of the top most beautiful women on TV but I think what people don't realize is what an amazing and gifted actress she is too. Catherine gave a performance that will make you stand up and take notice of what a truly talented and terrific actress this young woman is. She keeps you riveted to the screen the entire movie in Still Small Voices-- you would be afraid to blink because you thought you might miss something... the plot was so suspenseful and the ending was something that made you say huh? This movie is so worth watching-- if you haven't seen it yet, see it. And even if you don't think the movie sounds intriguing enough, then at least tune in to see the acting performance that Catherine gives. She will not and does not disappoint. NEW: I watched SSV again (last week) and it honestly has to be the best movie on TV I have ever had the pleasure of watching. It has everything that you would want in a movie--the emotions are a roller-coaster. Great great movie and again a TERRIFIC performance by Catherine Bell!!! Btw to see more of Catherine's amazing acting, watch Army Wives!! Will not disappoint!!

A roller coaster of emotions!

[karla-65 · 9/10 · 16 February 2007]

I am not normally a TV movie fan but this one kept me riveted from the start and left me an emotional puddle at the end! I saw the trailers and was expecting one thing but the story turned out to be something entirely different. There was nothing predictable or formulaic about it, that's for sure! The only minor criticism I have is with some of the secondary character actors...slightly overacted at times, but the story line/writing more than made up for the minor distraction. Was this an original screenplay or adapted from a book? I have a feeling the book would be even better because there seemed to be a lot of symbolism and detail that could have been missed if you weren't paying close attention in the movie (and could have been more significant/dramatic in book form). Loved the movie...I'd buy the book!

A heart warming surprise story acted excellent / wow / possible true happen

[tery728 · 10/10 · 10 February 2007]

I loved this movie. I am trying to buy it, but it may be too early. I wanted others to see it. Dramas like this are not in the theater. The last movie I saw that was this good of a drama was "Something the Lord Made", but that was a different topic. This story is suspenseful, and once you get to the end you will want to see it again. Add to it, the elemnets of truth of stories that really happen...that makes this so real. C. Bell was amazing. I didn't realize she did "The Triangile". So, I will really look for her now. Loved this story and don't want to give away anything. The shocking part is that this could be a true story. The pieces all fit together after you see it.

Must See

[weemidge · 10/10 · 18 January 2007]

I thought this movie was excellent....it was basically a one-woman show, and Catherine Bell didn't disappoint! The twists, turns and surprises kept you guessing, and the way the movie wrapped things up and resolved itself was very well done.

The rest of the cast was excellent, and this is one movie I'll watch over and over.

The range of emotions shown in this movie took the viewer on a complete roller-coaster ride, the person you thought was the "bad" guy really wasn't, it just kept you guessing the entire time. The mind is a complex machine, and the way our minds heal & try to protect us, but then can play tricks on us, well that's pretty much what the movie was all about!

Still Small Voices is a Wonderful Step in the Right Direction for LMN!

[linda_mcc-1 · 10/10 · 27 May 2007]

This movie showcased the strong acting talent of Catherine Bell. The vehicle was wonderfully written, well-edited and paced to make the viewer keep interest.

I would love to see Still Small Voices on DVD, and there was enough left open at the end for a possible sequel. I think that this movie sets the bar for measuring just how and what other television movies should be made.

Kudos to Ms. Bell for her portrayal of Michael, and also to Jolene Rice, for creating this wonderful script. Here's to seeing more from this pair of talented ladies in the near future!

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[urusa93 · 10/10 · 6 August 2007]

Who said movies these days aren't good enough? If your one of those typical type of people than you have so got to see this movie...

One word "terrific" i saw it on the movie channel quite from between but couldn't leave without seeing the ending, so awesomely pictured, directed, narrated and mostly acted Catherine bell was superb her name's Micheal(you will see for yourselves what's with the boyish name in the ending) and she's a 911 operator(you know those people who pick up calls for the 991) one day she gets this mysterious phone call from a kid, a 'little girl who she finds out to be dead for over thirty years while she's at her own stake of problems with her baby girl Emma being still born shocked and begins hearing voices and seeing dreams of a horrifying man banging on the door a scary hippy guy with a tattoo on his chest and a picture of a girl and the sides of the picture curled by burns.... and with her curiosity and her conscious pounding her journey begins and it's hell of a journey

It's quite confusing at times but definitely worth watching because of t's satisfying ending believe me never seen a better ending for a movie in my entire life, be in for a surprise when you see the ending, i promise you whether your a kid or a grown up or a teen like me or even an old aged person this movie will leave you amazed and thinking and of this amazing actress!!!

Pls don't miss it... i assure you will love it no matter what!!!

A preview from before the post production

[canadianyac · 10/10 · 11 December 2006]

I enjoyed working on this 14 day production. There was an incredible cast and crew who went into making this movie. George Buza was such a great guy. After his recent loss, he did a superb job. Little Emily Swiss was a sweetheart and I shall forever be known as the "bird man" because of her. ;) Catherine was so sweet and kind and down to earth. She's one of the few actor's I met who's still in the "real world". In this show, you'll see my old leather couch go up in flames in one terrifying scene. this production was very thought provoking even in watching it being filmed. Very interested in seeing it aired. It's like one of those 200 page novels you read as a teenager when you hated reading and just could not put down until you finished. I read the script while filming the call centre scene and had to finish it before I could go back to working. A great read and a great story... for those interested in paranormal/psychological mysteries as this.

Bravo!!!

[tinlizzy08 · 10/10 · 18 January 2007]

What an outstanding movie! Kudos to all involved with this project, from the director to the writer to the actors/actresses. They all did an outstanding job, especially the multi-talented Catherine Bell. Wow! She totally blew me away with her performance as the tormented Michael, you could literally feel her pain and anguish as she sorted through her visions and uncovered the truth.

I've seen Catherine give some outstanding performances on JAG, and she totally was in her element and gave her all to her portrayal as Michael.

Like was said above, you have to pay close attention to the curves, and it was fun trying to unravel the mystery right along with Michael.

Incredible!

[theatre81 · 10/10 · 18 December 2010]

While I am a huge fan of Lifetime movies, they are usually completely predictable. I started watching this one thinking that it was going to be good (Catherine Bell is in it...of course it's good!), but as I kept watching, I was just amazed at the twists and turns that were in the movie! And the acting was superb, especially Catherine Bell. I saw her a few times on JAG and Army Wives and I love her acting. It's good to see her in a different kind of role.

To understand this movie you literally have to sit through the whole thing and pay close attention to every detail or else you'll miss something. I love that about mystery/thrillers. It's how they are supposed to be. And this one was definitely one of them.

I was not expecting the ending to be what it was. Loved that little plot twist. This is one of the few Lifetime movies that will not disappoint!

Well Done!!!!

[trinityryin · 9/10 · 8 February 2019]

Really loved this movie! It has a different storyline to it which in and of itself makes it worth watching. It's creative, suspenseful, hopeful, and all the other emotions that go with a good story told well. Catherine Bell was great in it! This is one I could watch several times and enjoy it every time. Well Done!!!!!

Wow, was this based on a real event.

[kathleenwel · 10/10 · 26 August 2018]

I was under the impression that this movie was based on true facts! How could the social worker get away with doing what she did?

Absolutely TERRIFIC Movie

[rxmiller0112 · 10/10 · 13 October 2011]

This is one of my favorite TV movies. I watch Lifetime quite often as they have some good mysteries, but am not normally impressed with the quality of the movies in the sense they mostly seem to be formulaic (and often overtly or ambivalently anti-male). This however is a TERRIFIC movie. Though part mystery, part fantasy, it is very realistic and emotionally seductive. Bell is VERY believable and sympathetic (and also beautiful). For once in an LMN movie the males are not totally stupid, insensitive or uncaring. I loved the ending when I found the apparently "bad" guy (who looked menacing and scary) was actually a hero. The twists and turns were not only surprising but touching. Rarely have I FELT so much in a movie. It raises some disturbing issues but resolves in a positive but believable way. I purchased this on DVD as it is a movie I can watch over and over. The soundtrack reinforces the uncertainty and the emotions, the acting is uniformly good, the script very believable (though addressing supernatural or paranormal issues), the direction crisp and production values relatively high. I recommend this to anyone who likes FEEL GOOD movies and can handle a little bit of fantasy.

Catherine Bell Shines In This

[kupcr · 8/10 · 31 May 2020]

The story starts out with Catherine Bell as a 911 dispatcher named Michael, who gets a distress call from what seems like from a little girl, only to find that it leads her into a mystery, one that will open her up to the truth, who the little girl is and how Michael gets to the truth. This is a very beautiful movie, starting with a 911 distress call to unravelling a mystery. Lawrence Dane is a wonderful supporting actor.