A bitter and discontented radio talk show host is on the brink of signing off for good - until he takes a fateful call from a tragedy-afflicted youngster in search of guidance in director Bradley Hawkins' Night Voices. It's a powerful film that explores tough topics - depression, suicide, faith - with sophistication and maturity.
Gorman Ruggiero is gritty, frightening and ultimately heartbreaking as the overwhelmed radio host Jude Wilcox, a man whose patience and sanity is harshly tested by every caller who gripes to him about problems both huge and trivial.
13-year old upstart Jack Packer is also strong as Hunter, a boy who suddenly rings up Jude in the aftermath of a painful crisis while poignantly reminding him of the happiness that's all but evaporated from his existence.
Ruggiero and Packer evoke pain, vulnerability, tenderness and heart in their performances, with the incredible on-camera chemistry and emotional range of both actors bolstering Hawkins' already taut narrative.
Thanks to its remarkable cast, direction, screenplay, music and production design, Night Voices is a film that shows how life can change in only a split second, and how the words we say can either destroy lives...or save them.
