This year’s Tribeca Film Festival proudly presents the North American premiere of THE LISTENER, a heart-rending exploration of human empathy, starring Tessa Thompson in a powerfully intimate portrayal of a Phone Helpline worker named Beth.
In this captivating narrative, the entire film is dedicated to Beth, providing a nuanced, up-close perspective on the deeply emotional and often hidden world of helpline work. With Thompson delivering an incredibly profound and layered performance, audiences are drawn into the immersive experience of a night shift, a pivotal point in Beth’s life. The interactions between Beth and unseen callers, voiced by a star-studded cast including Rebecca Hall, Alia Shawkat, and Margaret Cho, form the backbone of the narrative.
The film invites the audience into Beth’s world, in which the only connection is the voice on the other end of the line. It is through these voices that the audience gets to intimately explore the complex problems, anxieties, and fears of callers, thus magnifying the power of the unsaid and the unseen.
However, THE LISTENER is more than just an emotional journey. It is also a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about the vital role of mental health workers across the United States. These dedicated professionals, often working behind the scenes, provide invaluable support to individuals when they need it the most.
Furthermore, the film shines a light on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the newly active, nationwide three-digit dialing code that connects callers directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When people reach out via call, text, or chat to 988, they are connected to trained counselors within the existing Lifeline network. These empathetic professionals provide much-needed support, understanding the depth of the caller’s troubles, and connecting them with essential resources when necessary.
In essence, THE LISTENER serves as a powerful tribute to the bravery and resilience of mental health professionals and the countless lives they touch. It underscores the tremendous power of empathetic listening, illuminating the hopes, fears, and struggles of those reaching out for help, and those who answer the call.