Black Noise (2023) User Reviews

What.A.Mess

[adrenachrome · 3/10 · 18 November 2023]

I will try to be spoiler free, but the TL;DR opinion is it's terrible. Lots of great ideas on an individual basis, but all mashed together into an incomprehensible mess.

The trailer looked downright interesting. A mercenary team hired to pull an extraction from an island reserved for the rich and shameless.

So far, so good, a bit of a mystery backstory why a late addition to the team shows up, but no worries, adds to the intrigue.

Once they get to the island, everything starts falling apart. They are assaulted by some kind of white noise generator that causes them to bleed out of their ears and behave erratically.

There is hints in the film this might be the work of a hostile gov't or possibly ETs. All kinds of hooks and ideas. Again, so far, so good. Acting is acceptable, lighting is good to "interesting" (a fair overuse of gel filters and saturation cranked up to 11...but it's possible it was on purpose to simulate mental breakdown) but the CGI where used (sparingly, thankfully) was truly wretched.

Unfortunately the build-up of the mystery is thrown away in a rush to reach the end where the director and/or writer ran out of ideas and money in a truly dreadful and nonsensical way.

Quite the shame really, a lot of the ideas, taken separately held promise, but somewhere along the line (about 40 minutes into the film) the whole thing fell totally apart.

Skip it, it's dreadful. 3/10 at best.

Better than one star

[bitbucketchip · 5/10 · 5 December 2023]

Some sort of five person special forces-like unit is dispatched by a seemingly random voice on the phone to an exclusive off-the-grid luxury island to rescue some seemingly random client. We learn nothing about the voice on the phone, the client, or what these five people are doing together. The team arrives to find a deserted island and immediately is subjected to some kind of mind altering sonic blast. From that point on they hallucinate or vividly recall bad dreams.

There are enough positives here that the movie deserves more than one star reviews. The women are attractive, the cast can act to a reasonable B-movie standard, there is little bad CGI, and the director doesn't waste our time trying to make something of a plot that becomes obvious to anyone who has seen the movie Predator. There is an escape from the island subplot that is an appealing one though is never fully developed.

The primary negatives here are the derivative plot and lack of character development. Aside from their physical characteristics I could not tell you one thing about any of the five leads: not their names, skill sets, likes, dislikes, nothing. The only thing we learn about them is they are unprofessional: there is a lot of yelling and crying with virtually no actual communication taking place. The majority of the dialog is exposition about what we are looking at: "we need to get off the island", "I heard a sound", and so on.

The other big negative is the plot is revealed in the first minute on the island when we see the Predator-like display with the alien glyphs. From then on you know what is going to happen, just not how. Without any spoilers suffice it to say the ending will not blow you away.

Five stars for the positives. It is by no means a great movie but it is watchable and even enjoyable at times. I did watch it to the end so there is entertainment value here. Five stars.

Don't suggest

[msht-46765 · 1/10 · 29 January 2024]

Weak actors, poor story, poor filming, superficial and useless dialogues, don't waste your time watching this movie.

It was not clear at all what was the beginning and end of the movie, where was that voice coming from, and what were those black-clad people.

This movie is only useful when You want the TV to play a movie and you do other things.

A team enters the island to save someone, they find a woman alive. The question that comes to mind is why this woman didn't die before and why she died when they found her. What was that thing that killed people from above and why only the hero remain alive.

Really. Typical Hollywood Action Film.

[cantrelayne · 2/10 · 14 January 2024]

Rescue mission, sonic mind control, the end. As with all Hollywood action films, same formula since the 1960's. Keep hoping they come up with something NEW. Instead: Rescue, and instead of doing something smart go after the 'why', revenge, everybody dies except the 'hero'. BORING!!!!! In this case Voice on the phone, off grid mission, and absolutely no imagination. The call wants to verify the person, however the person doesn't verify the voice. It's AI from the jump. Then once they get to the mission and the target is dead, they sit around FOR HOURS before they decide they need to get off the island. However, instead of getting off the island, after sitting around for hours, they decide to neutralise the threat. Who cares, get off the island, then figure it out. Stupid, boring, predictable. It only gets 2 for the scenery. If stupid ,boring and predictable is your thing then this is for you.

Lame action flick on a McD budget

[delaynomore · 1/10 · 4 February 2024]

This is a low budget, badly written, badly directed movie.

You basically have 5 people walking around randomly pointing guns as if they are doing some tactical SWAT stuff. It's like nobody had any weapons training.

These cosplay SWAT fellas can't even climb over a gate. They need to wait for the techie to hack the console.

One moment the team is casually walking in and talking loudly. The very next minute, they decide to put on tactical gears and pull out their weapons and start doing recon. Absolutely deprived of logic.

Visually, this looks slightly better than those cheaply shot adult movies. And in all honesty, there's better script in those adult movies.

Don't waste your time on this.

It cannot get worse

[fjoraldomamutaj · 1/10 · 10 January 2024]

Seriously, did the director and cast and all the rest ever watched the movie end to end and said yeah let's release it. It's totally nonsense, beginning to end. The acting, omg I definitely need to try it, bet I cannot do worse than any of the cast.

Do yourself a favor and avoid like plague. I had to sit through it till the end for you, doing God's work. Again, I beg you to not waste time and just 1* this **** so hopefully they learn to do better (I doubt smh)

Can't believe they release this nonsense, who gives money for this **** to be produced, just... I cannot understand, nothing makes sense!!

Utter garbage

[godsnumber2 · 1/10 · 18 November 2023]

It seems Alex Pettyfer has plummeted to the depths of despair in his career.... Truly awful movie with undoubtedly the worst Special forces team on the planet, facing an enemy whose only real threat appears to be a high powered dog whistle and the ability to make the camera man appear to have a seizure!

Your never quite sure what the 'enemy' even is, I guess you could say it's Alien however it's just appears to be a guy in black clothes and a weird hat on.

It always amazes me that at some point, some writers , directors and actors got round a table and probably thought this movie was a good idea, who even funds this crap??

I sat through the whole thing, my wife isn't speaking to me now, so I took one for the team so you don't have to. Your welcome!

Catastrophically bad. Don't bother.

[stevelivesey-37183 · 1/10 · 18 November 2023]

So, What was the weapon/monster? Don't know.

Why was Alex Pettyfers character late to the initial meeting and what was he recovering from? Don't know. (Gets explained in the last 5 minutes)

Why wasn't Alex pettyfers character affected by the noise? Don't know.

Why could he see the monsters/people/enemy? Don't know

Why were two female soldiers in an elite army unit crying a lot? Don't know.

Made with a micro budget for the weak of mind by extremely untalented people. Why would the actors say yes to this nonsense? Don't know.

No idea why this was green lit, but I will make a note of everyone involved and make sure never to watch anything made by them again.

Poor acting, poor storyline, unsurprisingly......poor

[simonunderhill-65204 · 2/10 · 1 April 2024]

Awful film, the storyline is well, to say weak would be an understatement. The acting is wooden, the constant supposedly tension building stares into the camera are painful.

It tries desperately hard to build suspense but the poor acting and strange facial expressions put an end to that instantly.

You know it's going to be a bad film when you're only 30 minutes in and you already want them all to die.

Overall, almost two hours of my life that I'll sadly never get back. If you're thinking of watching this film, I'd take your TV and drop it out of the first floor of your house. I'd then run it over with your car just to be sure.

Entertaining flick

[cynvanity · 8/10 · 6 December 2023]

Black Noise is that kind of movie you'd watch with your buddies on a Friday night, expecting some solid action and a bit of a thrill. The action is pretty sick and the island vibes give off this cool, edgy feel.

Now, it's not all perfect. The dialogue can be kind of cheesy, and some characters feel like they needed more juice in their backstory. But honestly, I think people have been way too harsh on it. It's a decent flick, especially if you're not overthinking it. The action keeps you hooked, and even with some predictable moments, it's still a good time. Bottom line - Black Noise is worth a watch. Don't expect some deep, life-changing story, but for a couple of hours of entertainment? It does the job pretty well. Definitely a cool movie to check out, especially if you're into stuff that keeps the adrenaline pumping.

Money can't save you

[shinsrevenge · 7/10 · 7 December 2023]

(Review may contain spoilers)

Welcome to the island, a top secret, off the grid location where the rich and powerful go if they want to disappear (for a while). An unknown force decides to make their wish come true.

Ryan and his team of deeply traumatized soldiers arrive there to extract a client. But they find themselves unprepared for what they will encounter.

The movie reminded me of "Doom". Ryan has this Dwayne Johnson vibe and this other soldier, who may or may not have recovered enough to participate, was like "Reaper". Anyway, there's a lot of tension, suspense and mystery. The acting was okay, the story interesting enough.

My only complaint are the poorly made special effects (lights, lightning, explosions), but there are only very few scenes with such effects to begin with, so it wasn't enough to bring down the mood. You think "they could have spend a bit more money on that", but the next moment you're back in the story and curious about what's going to happen next.

Thus I was quite surprised when I saw the devastating ratings for the movie on Imdb.

Mercifully short

[i_bradshaw · 2/10 · 19 November 2023]

I'm struggling to find a positive in this debacle. Thankfully it was short and with a cast of maybe a dozen at most, you could memorise the acting credits as some form of twisted party trick.

This was shockingly bad. The acting was marginally better than the plot, which started out fairly promising, but soon descended into farce that left so many questions unanswered.

It's not even one of those films that are so bad that they are bizarrely good or funny in some way. There is no character development, which helps when you get to the point of no return in the film. You know that bit when you've committed to it, and that something niggles inside you to keep the faith, to find out what happens even though you don't care - a sadistic curiosity I guess. So as the story progresses, you don't feel empathetic towards any of them, you don't care if they live, die, walk the dog or win the lottery. You just want it to end. Yes it does end, just not quickly enough.

We are all Dead

[nogodnomasters · 2/10 · 3 December 2023]

The film opens with a teaser of a man being mysteriously killed. We then move on to Ryan (Wayne Gordon) who is having a good time on St. Maarten. He gets an extraction order. He assembles his crew of five as they are to go to the island of Esperance and rescue Laura Hamilton (Niki Spiridakos). The location is North East of Barbados and is a secret island for the wealthy and does not show up on Google Earth. It is a dead zone in that regard. They arrive on the island to discover it is deserted. There is a strange high-frequency sound that affects everyone but one person. They have sudden flashbacks to a tragic event in their past. They made it in easy, but getting out will be tough.

The mystery is what or who is causing this noise and how they get off the island as their boat is suddenly missing. We do have an early clue as we hear a noise, one that is uncannily like a noise used in another film which clues us right in. The characters were never well-developed. The plot was one we had seen before and it was a classic.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Solid weekend film

[mavinsoulness · 8/10 · 15 December 2023]

Black Noise excels with its impressive performances, particularly remarkable for a film with budget limitations. The ensemble cast demonstrates exceptional teamwork and determination, aligning seamlessly with the film's adventurous spirit. The island setting, while not lavishly depicted, is cleverly utilized to evoke a feeling of isolation and suspense, enhancing the movie's overall impact.

Perfect for a weekend movie night, Black Noise is an excellent choice for those seeking entertainment and thrill. Its straightforward storytelling and engaging plot make it especially suitable for viewing with friends. This film is a shining example of how creativity and resourcefulness can triumph over budget constraints in the realm of cinema. Offering a mix of suspense, adventure, and camaraderie, it's a compelling watch that promises to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

It's fun but can be better

[realskidrow · 7/10 · 8 December 2023]

This is a decent film that combines elements of action and suspense. The story follows an elite security team tasked with rescuing a VIP from an island, but quickly turns into a survival mission against a vague threatening force. The movie delivers a fair share of tension and action, but sometimes struggles with pacing and falls into typical genre clichés. The island setting is visually appealing, though the cinematography is not particularly groundbreaking.

The cast's performances are solid, but they don't always manage to elevate the somewhat predictable script. In essence, "Black Noise" is an average thriller, offering enough suspense and action to keep viewers engaged, but it doesn't venture far beyond the typical conventions of its genre. It's a film that might be enjoyed for a casual viewing, but it doesn't stand out as a memorable cinematic experience.

Has it's moments

[mslunaaurora · 9/10 · 7 December 2023]

After watching The Black Noise, I found myself entertained despite the noticeable flaws in its plot. The film, while presenting a few narrative gaps that could be a distraction for some, managed to keep me engaged throughout its runtime.

What struck me most was the evident effort behind the production. The attention to detail in set design and the dynamic cinematography were hard to miss, reflecting the crew's dedication to crafting an immersive viewing experience. The performances added to this effect, with the cast delivering their roles with an energy that seemed to compensate for the weaker aspects of the script.

The plot, though not without its inconsistencies, was paced well enough to maintain interest. The film didn't seem to aim for serious critique but rather focused on providing an entertaining experience, which it did quite successfully. Overall, The Black Noise is a prime example of how a film can have its imperfections and still offer a fun, engaging watch, especially when the hard work and passion behind it are so apparent.

Worth a watch

[ukdarlingsmith · 8/10 · 8 December 2023]

The performances are commendably strong for a budget-conscious production, with the cast bringing a sense of camaraderie and determination that resonates well with the movie's adventurous spirit.

The island setting, though not extravagantly portrayed, is used effectively to create a sense of isolation and suspense. Overall, Black Noise is a good pick for those looking for an action thriller that offers a straightforward, enjoyable viewing experience without the frills of higher-budget productions. I

t's a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources and a creative approach. Give it a go it's still a watch from me.

Has it's moments but still good

[ravengodsford · 8/10 · 17 December 2023]

Yes, it does have its ups and downs. While the suspense can feel a bit overdone at times, Philippe Martinez brings some neat ideas to the table with this supernatural survival story set on a remote island. The cast, including Frank Corbie, Thomas Downey, and Gene Freeman, delivers a mixed bag of performances - they shine in some scenes but fall flat in others.

The film features some solid action and a genuinely eerie setting that adds to the vibe. Even though the plot can be somewhat predictable and the supernatural elements aren't fully fleshed out, it's still an enjoyable watch for thriller fans. "Black Noise" might not completely knock your socks off, but it's definitely worth checking out for its interesting moments and overall cool concept.

Could have been better

[superfilmfanatic · 8/10 · 13 December 2023]

Black Noise combines a complex narrative with emotional depth, but it's hindered by noticeable plot holes and inconsistencies. While the film features some impactful scenes and commendable performances from its cast, these positives are often offset by the script's limitations.

The visual and auditory elements of the film are a mixed bag. The cinematography has moments of brilliance, but these are interspersed with more standard visuals. Similarly, the soundtrack enhances certain scenes effectively, yet it can feel out of place in others.

Overall, Black Noise offers an uneven but occasionally engaging experience. It's a film that might appeal to viewers interested in a blend of drama and suspense, despite not fully realizing its ambitious vision.

Adrenaline pumping flick

[bogtgiho · 9/10 · 10 December 2023]

Set on a deceptively dangerous island, the film stars Frank Corbie, Thomas Downey, and Gene Freeman as an elite security team on a mission to rescue a VIP. Their chemistry is electric, infusing the film with both emotional depth and thrilling action.

Philippe Martinez showcases his prowess in balancing fast-paced action sequences with a haunting atmosphere. The island's transformation from a tranquil paradise to a nightmarish trap is captured through stunning cinematography, enhancing the film's suspenseful mood.

The sound design, characterized by eerie silences and unsettling noises, plays a crucial role in building this suspense. Meanwhile, the trio's performance is a blend of physical prowess and psychological resilience, adding layers to their characters and making their struggle for survival both believable and compelling.

Highly entertaining

[matthewclerk · 8/10 · 14 December 2023]

This is a must-watch for anyone who loves edge-of-the-seat thrillers. As a 22-year-old, I gotta say, this movie had me hooked from start to finish. The plot revolves around an elite security team tasked with rescuing a VIP from an exclusive island, but things take a wild turn, and it's not just a rescue mission anymore - it's about survival.

The movie kicks off with high-octane energy, and you're immediately thrown into the world of these skilled operatives. Their mission? Infiltrate the island, grab the VIP, and get out. Simple. Except, it's not. The island, with its deceptively serene beauty, hides a sinister secret. As the team delves deeper, things start to unravel fast, and that's when the real fun begins. If you're looking for a film that combines action, suspense, and an engaging story, this is it.

Ignore the haters, this is good

[barrymissles · 9/10 · 11 December 2023]

Black Noise, directed by the skilled Philippe Martinez, is an action-packed film set in the stunning location of St. Kitts and Nevis. The movie excels with its intense action sequences and a plot that builds suspense throughout. The director's attention to detail shines through in every scene, contributing to a cohesive and engaging narrative. The beauty of the island provides a striking contrast to the film's escalating tension, adding an extra layer of visual appeal.

The cast, featuring Alex Pettyfer, Jackson Rathbone, Eve Mauro, and Niki Spiridakos, delivers impressive performances. Pettyfer, particularly, stands out with his good looks and solid acting, bringing charisma to his role. The unique concept of a noise that manifests one's deepest fears adds a psychological twist, making Black Noise not just an action movie but a thrilling experience.

Enjoyed watching

[dalesappell · 8/10 · 5 January 2024]

I enjoy a good suspenseful sci-fi action flick and that well describes Black Noise. Make enough popcorn to share because this is a movie best to not watch alone. The movie's plot is interesting enough. What I most enjoyed was the juxaposition of beautiful people landing on a beautiful island to perform a simple task of extricating a VIP...and then everything goes completely awry. Kept me/us on the edge of our seats throughout.

Kudos to the actors, Jackson Rathbone, Wayne Gordon, Sadie Newman and Eve Mauro for bringing plenty of adrenaline to their roles. The Director did an excellent job making the very most with the restraints of what I assume was a moderate budget.

BTW: I think this movie should be watched on a large screen TV with a good sound system...otherwise, I think you'd miss a lot of the immersive experience.