This review is intended for a vast audience, but the film itself is PG-13 and contains content that may upset or cause discomfort to the viewer. Topic Warning: discussion surrounding SA/Rape, partying, moderate violence.

Speak is a complex indie film exploring ideas regarding what ” speak ” means. It is a beautiful story that does an excellent job of displaying the overall message surrounding the importance of checking up on peers. All movie elements create an atmosphere of safe understanding with relatable characters. 

Although directed by Jessica Sharzer, who has worked on films such as Nerve (2016) and Dirty Dancing (2017), the story does not start with her. The film was originally a book written by Laurie Halse Anderson and was adapted by Fred Berner Films, an independent film company. 

Sharzer takes the viewer through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl named Melinda Sordino. Melinda is a sweet young girl who considers others before her own emotions and is still navigating through life. Her discovery process is disrupted by an incident during a party the summer going into ninth grade.

The costume designs in the movie communicate the characters’ emotions in the given scene. Rebecca Gregg, Speak’s costume designer, does phenomenal work using color palettes that showcase a tone throughout the movie. The neutral and dumbed-down clothing pieces are not extravagant, which doesn’t take away from the acting showcase. It adds a fresh perspective to costumes in the film industry. 

Stewart’s portrayal of Melinda is emotionally compelling in so many ways. Her first on-screen acting experience in this film makes me love it much more. Seeing her bloom into the famous actress she is can be seen as shocking since the audience is viewing her roots. Her muted emotions convey the message of what it means to be silenced mentally and physically manner. 

With the elements from the soundboard, Speak properly depicts what a rape victim can typically endure. The innocent and soft tones in the soundtrack at the beginning of the movie can signify the lack thereof after what she experienced at her first party in freshman year with Andy. Andy’s complete disregard for his actions leaves her vulnerable, transforming into heightened volume and bass in the instrumental. Harsher beats take place to represent her heart racing constantly when reflecting on what truly happened to her. 

I highly recommend this film to anyone considering watching something that will widen their eyes to vulnerable topics and leave them reflecting on the people around them. Even though it is PG-13, the message behind the film’s content is very important to see. Taboo topics such as this leave more questions and unanswered discussions that need to happen, not to perpetuate the same cycle Melinda depicts. She was fourteen when she was raped; there are so many other people out there that can relate and see themselves within Melinda’s character. Allow this review to become a gateway to an open discussion about the psychological effects sexual assault and rape leave on the psyche.