Watch Little Voice

Little Voice is a 1998 British drama film directed by Mark Herman, starring Brenda Blethyn, Jane Horrocks, and Michael Caine. The movie is based on the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright. The film revolves around a timid and shy young girl named Laura Hoff (Jane Horrocks) who has a hidden talent for singing. Laura lives with her overbearing and alcoholic mother, Mari (Brenda Blethyn), who constantly berates, abuses and belittles her. Mari is a loud, brash and flamboyant character who loves nothing more than to sing karaoke with her latest boyfriend, Ray Say (Michael Caine). Ray Say is a sleazy talent scout and hotshot record producer who becomes obsessed with Laura's unique voice the moment he hears her sing.

Laura's world revolves around her room, where she spends her time listening to her late father's old records, singing to herself and dreaming of a better life. When Ray learns of Laura's talent, he tries to persuade her to perform at a local talent show, but Laura is too scared of performing in front of people, especially her mother. However, Ray does not give up easily and decides to take advantage of Mari's obsession with him to get Laura to perform.

Throughout the film, Laura struggles to find her voice and come out of her shell, ultimately finding the courage to perform in front of an audience. Her talent is finally showcased in a spellbinding performance that astounds everyone.

Little Voice is a powerful exploration of the human condition, dealing with themes of self-discovery, family ties and the pursuit of one's dreams. It is a character-driven film that is led by strong performances from the entire cast. The standout performance, however, is from Jane Horrocks, who portrays Laura with incredible nuance and sensitivity. Her transformation from a timid young girl to a confident and powerful singer is remarkable, and her portrayal of Laura's emotional struggles is truly breathtaking.

The film is also noteworthy for its use of music. The soundtrack features several classic songs from the 60s and 70s, including works from Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, and Marilyn Monroe. The music provides an additional layer to the film, adding depth to the story and enhancing the performances.

The cinematography is also exceptional, with a moody and atmospheric look that complements the dark and complex themes of the film. The setting, a small working-class town in the north of England, adds to the gritty realism of the story and gives the film a sense of authenticity.

Overall, Little Voice is a compelling and emotional drama that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their voice. It is a touching and inspiring story that is brought to life by exceptional performances, beautiful music and masterful direction.

Little Voice is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 68.