The Way We Speak” is a 2024 drama directed by Ian Ebright, marking his feature debut. The film delves into themes of ambition, obsession, and personal relationships, set against the backdrop of intellectual debate.
Synopsis
The story focuses on Patrick Fabians Simon Harrington character’s life who happens to be an aspiring writer and a futurist. George Rossi, his best friend and debating partner, has a cardiac arrest. Simon, a best-selling author, gun blush English ranch hands with the belief that he possesses ‘better than a thousand words’ in a series of debates with young Christian essayist Sarah Clawson, who managed to get her book published. Simon’s cynical five-step approach to crush whatever Sarah attempts at her book’s promotion seems to border not only on idiotic sluggishness but also on a very thin line that separates love from hate but seems to pull on all facets of his personality while concurrently straining his relationship with his sick wife who crosses paths with Claire. The film is about self-centered ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the distinction of self sufficiency in terms of how one’s actions affect their closest ones.
Awards & Wins
By December 2024, The Way We Speak has underlined its prominence recorded 9 wins and 8 nominations in several film festivals and award circuits. The claim is that it was awarded for its screenplay and performances, while numerous awards mentioned the film’s deep exploration of the themes and characters as well.
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: Ian Ebright
- Cast:
- Patrick Fabian as Simon Harrington
- Diana Coconubo as Claire Harrington
- Kailey Rhodes as Sarah Clawson
- Ayanna Berkshire as Annette Davis
- Lowell Deo as Terence Stand
- Ricco DiStefano as George Rossi
- Reed Diamond as Charles (voice)
IMDb Ratings
The film holds an IMDb rating of 7.6/10, based on 91 user reviews, reflecting a positive reception from audiences.
Personal Insights
“The Way We Speak” makes an interesting character analysis of somebody who is coping with different aspects in life conflict with each other. It seems that Patrick Fabian is quite resourceful in his interpretations as Simon’s character evolves into one that is obsessed and lacks ethical standards throughout the narrative. The character of Claire as played by Diana Coconubo broadens the story’s view by focusing on the closer ones around an ambitious person and the burden they have to face. The conversational patterns and scenes are similar to works of Aaron Sorkin which provides the audience with challenges in concept as well as unraveling the flaws of its characters.
Cultural Significance
Launched on a much broader platform, the construct of the film’s framing and structure titled the ‘Sapper’s Wife’ ties beautifully with the narrative of the film. As I pointed out earlier the thematic exploration in the film is wider as it also draws the audience attention to the impact of an individual’s faith and ambition on various aspects of human interactions. It deals with the issues of self ambition and the moral price of success in life. Through representation of individuals who are hardliners and obsessive about their own faith and work, the filmmakers urge the audience to contemplate the consequences of such personality on his social relations and ethics.
