WAY WE SPEAK, THE

(director/writer: Ian Ebright; cinematographer: A. J. Marson; editor: Robert Schafer; music: Billow Observatory; cast: Patrick Fabian (Simon Harrington), Diana Coconubo (Claire Harrington), Kailey Rhodes (Sarah Clawson), Ayanna Berkshire (Annette Davis), Lowell Deo (Terence Stand), Ricco DiStefano (George Rossi); Runtime: 87; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Molly Vendettuoli, Ian Ebright, Lauren Ebright; Gravitas Ventures; 2024)

“A winsome cautionary tale telling us words have real consequences.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The former TV director Ian Ebright, the Seattle filmmaker, makes his debut feature film a  winsome cautionary tale telling us that words have real consequences.
 
Simon (Patrick Fabian) is an up-and-coming writer and brilliant essayist, about to participate in a public forum debate over several days. Though his best friend (Ricco DiStefano) and debate opponent has a heart attack and dies, Simon remains to debate a replacement opponent and possibly win the lucrative cash prize and some notoriety. His decision to go through with the debate is reluctantly supported by his cancer-stricken religious doctor wife, Claire (Diana Coconubo). Simon has always been second-fiddle to his celebrated wife, and welcomes this chance to shine.

The replacement chosen is a young blonde Christian bestselling writer named Sarah (Kailey Rhodes). The debate topic is ‘The existence and importance of God.’ The debate however sours when the atheist Simon makes slanderous remarks against his opponent.

Simon’s ugly debate performance causes displeasure with Sarah, his wife and the debate audience.

It’s a talky but compelling film, with Patrick Fabian’s performance as an unlikable loudmouth memorable. The topical film magnifies today’s divide on social media and the rudeness found there.

It played at the Florida Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 6/23/2024  GRADE: B