Directed by Richard Zelniker and penned by Stephen Alkus, ‘Unspoken’ is a dramatic thriller short film about a couple trying to work through their marriage during an intense therapy session. Dr. Berman (Michael Beach) is the therapist caught in the middle of Babs (Jeante Godlock) and Walt Remington’s (Jamie McShane) unraveling relationship.
Justin Richards’ stunning cinematography uses widescreen framing to emphasize the distance and emotional divide between the couple, even as they sit in the same room. The shots feel intimate yet spacious, capturing the quiet tensions and unspoken resentment hanging in the air. This careful composition makes the emotional fractures all the more visible. The warm, almost cozy lighting adds a layer of contrast – the room looks inviting on the surface, but that gentle glow only sharpens the feeling of a brewing storm beneath.
Walt’s struggle to hold on to his military identity after a missed promotion bleeds into his failing confidence and the cold distance between him and Babs. She responds with biting coldness and resentment, and what starts as a session to fix things soon exposes deep wounds and long-hidden family secrets.
Sound and editing work quietly but effectively, amplifying the moments of silence and sharp dialogue so that every line lands perfectly. The acting is solid throughout – each actor holds the tightrope of anger, hurt, and confusion with believable ease.
The film moves steadily toward a chaotic and unsettling climax. We won’t spoil the ending, but it leaves you with a lingering sense of discomfort that fits the story perfectly. ‘Unspoken’ is a well-crafted, intense look at a marriage falling apart under the weight of secrets and unresolved pain. It’s gripping without ever feeling forced. Poised direction and writing that hit every mark with intent.
