Performance & Direction: The Listening Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Listening (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Listening features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Parks . Supported by the likes of Maya Sansa and Vincent Riotta , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Listening (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Listening
Quick Plot Summary: The Listening is a Thriller, Crime, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Listening
Ending Breakdown: The Listening concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Listening reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Listening Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Listening incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Listening adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Listening?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: The Listening
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.9M |
| Worldwide Gross | $362.7K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Listening Budget
The estimated production budget for The Listening is $2.9M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Listening
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Where to Watch The Listening Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeThe Listening Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about The Listening age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Listening is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Listening is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Listening worth watching?
The Listening is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Listening parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Listening identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Listening?
The total duration of The Listening is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
