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Speak
2004 93 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★7.3
Drama
Director: Jessica Sharzer
🎭 Based on
«Speak»
byLaurie Halse Anderson
Trailers
Description
Freshman high-school student Melinda has refused to speak ever since she called the cops on a popular summer party. With her old friends snubbing her for being a rat, and her parents too busy to notice her troubles, she folds into herself, trying to hide her secret: that star senior Andy raped her at the party. But Melinda does manage to find solace in her art class headed by Mr. Freeman.
Budget:
$1M
Starring
Kristen Stewart
Actor
Elizabeth Perkins
Actor
Richard Hagerman
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
Speak is a poignant, emotionally resonant drama that tackles the heavy themes of trauma, teenage isolation, and the critical necessity of finding one's voice. While some viewers feel the film's execution leans into familiar teen-drama tropes, many find the protagonist's silent journey to be a deeply moving and authentic exploration of survival.
| Emotion | The film delivers a powerful, lasting emotional impact that deeply resonates with viewers by addressing the harrowing consequences of silence and social isolation. | |
| Theme | The narrative succeeds as a meaningful exploration of urgent youth issues, effectively illustrating the necessity of speaking up to resolve internal burdens. | |
| Acting | Critics are sharply divided on Kristen Stewart's performance; many praise her raw, convincing portrayal of a traumatized teen, while others find her acting limited or unconvincing. | |
| Direction | Opinions on the film's execution are polarized, with some applauding the simple, honest storytelling, while others dismiss the presentation as formulaic, dull, or lacking in cinematic polish. |