FilmQuest 24: "Decibel" - movie review

“Decibel delivers an intense blend of sci-fi horror and music, creating an unsettling experience for both eyes and ears.”

Music comes from the soul, but combining sci-fi, horror, and music doesn’t always create a great narrative. Often, one element overpowers the others, leaving the audience feeling stalled, unsure if what they just watched was effective as they try to balance so many layers. The last film I saw from Zac Locke, #Float, tried to play on familiar tropes but ultimately missed the mark for me. So I was pleasantly surprised, even blown away, by his latest project, Decibel—a sci-fi horror film about sound, music, and a hidden terror surrounding a billionaire, played with unyielding intensity by Stefanie Estes. Decibel is truly a sensory carnival.

As a music lover, I found Stephen Christensen and Matt Wise’s writing to be complete and relevant, capturing the allure of perfection and the dangers of despair. These are the lessons Decibel explores, handled with steady candor.

I’m usually cautious of films that highlight “music” as a core element, but, like the recent festival hit Heavier Trip, Decibel weaves music through its story, allowing it to become its own character. There’s a haunting quality in Estes’ performance as Donna, who invites Scout (Aleyse Shannon) to her prestigious but relatively unknown studio, “Decibel.” This unconventional opportunity is the core of the plot, yet it’s the exceptional work of Shannon and Estes that keeps the film so compellingly tense. I’m not sure if Shannon is actually singing, but she holds her own impressively. We often see “genius” musicians like Moby in the real world, but rarely in the horror realm. The creators deserve credit for crafting the perfect character to experience the eerie phenomena that Decibel presents. Only a musical genius would navigate this strange world as Scout does.

This film is a smooth, playful, yet terrifying experience for the ears. The soundtrack not only complements the setting and storyline but also draws the viewer into the story’s completion. There’s an almost hypnotic rhythm to Decibel, which may be due to my own musical background, allowing me to connect with the film on a different level. As a sci-fi horror film, it’s cunning, shrouded in mystery, and packed with the ingredients of an entertaining, unsettling experience.

Rating: 4.5/5

Directed by Zac Locke

Starring Aleyse Shannon, Stefanie Estes, and Colby Groves