BBC The Listeners is a yawnfest – here are three shows that do supernatural drama better
THE new BBC drama The Listeners is about an English teacher who hears a humming sound that no one else can pick up.
The show is described by the BBC as a captivating story but it’s far more likely to send viewers to sleep.
Claire ( Rebecca Hall ) begins to hear a humming noise that no one else seems to notice. Is it the local wind turbines or aliens? Nobody knows.
She seeks medical advice but they can’t find an answer and suggest it could be menopause or stress that’s at the root of the noise.
It’s womens health after all. If they’d added the possibility of a new Covid symptom they’d have covered all bases. But moving on.
When a distressed Claire discovers that Kyle, a student of hers, can also hear the hum, the two begin an intimate and forbidden friendship.
The relationship causes problems with their families and Claire is suspended from her job. Who would have thought it? Not Claire she’s too busy staring into space.
The pair fall under the spell of a charismatic couple, Jo and Omar, who claim to also hear the hum and Claire’s persuaded to join them.
But you’ll have time to make a cup of tea and check your socials and still not miss a thing because the storyline’s so slow.
That’s not to infer that there’s a lack of talent in the show because there undoubtedly is. For example, Mia Tharia who plays Claire’s daughter steals every scene she appears in.
But the annoying soundtrack, meandering scenes and sterile setting has you craving more tension. The final episode takes it up a notch but did it really need four episodes to get there?
The main themes of The Listeners centre around human isolation, vulnerability, the need for human connection and the idea of cult formation.
But unfortunately, the show’s pace, lack of tension and long dramatic pauses dilute the power of its intended message.
Here are three shows that convey those ideas in a more interesting manner that should keep you invested.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a hit dystopian series which is known for having a star-studded line-up. Miley Cyrus, Domhnall Gleeson, Jessica Brown Findlay, and James Norton have all appeared on the show.
In the episode Nosedive, Lacie lives in a society where everyone rates each other on their social interactions, and their individual value is based on their ratings.
In Playtest, Cooper, a man struggling with isolation agrees to test a brand new virtual reality game that taps into his hidden fears.
Like The Listeners, both of these episodes explore how human vulnerability and the need for connection can lead to irrational and harmful decisions.
While not every episode in the series is perfect, you can’t take your eyes of the screen for fear of missing some small detail.
Fans of the show were delighted to learn that a new Series will premiere in 2025.
Series 1 to 6 of Black Mirror are available to stream on Netflix.
The Devils Hour
The haunting thriller The Devils Hour follows the story of a woman called Lucy Chambers, who wakes up every morning at 3.33am with terrifying nightmares.
To make matters worse, she lives in a haunted house with her withdrawn eight-year-old son, and a mum who talks to empty chairs.
Lucy’s life unravels further when she starts having visions of things that have never happened.
Like Claire in The Listeners, Lucy becomes isolated and vulnerable. She is unable to connect with others because no one understands what’s happening to her.
The story is atmospheric, fast paced and full of twists and Lucy’s search for meaning and human connection is both terrifying and heart breaking.
Viewers have described the show as mind blowing and gripping tv.
The Devil’s Hour is available to stream on Prime Video.
Nine Perfect Strangers
If you enjoy a more Hollywood style drama then Nine Perfect Strangers is a worthy contender.
The show is based on a New York Times best-selling book about a group of strangers that search for inner peace on an idyllic resort
Like the group of people in The Listeners, who isolate themselves from the outside world, the retreat has a similar cult like feel.
Masha, the charismatic leader manipulates her guests with the promise that she’s a healer who can transform their lives.
Just like Jo in The Listeners, she insists on activities such as group meditation that bonds them together to make them feel safe and heard.
The resulting scenes range from the guests lying docile in graves to sobbing revelations and piercing screams.
While it might not be to everyone’s taste, the show’s entertaining and there isn’t a trace of tedious toothbrushing or flossing in sight.
The second season of the show will arrive sometime in 2025.
The first season is available to stream on Amazon Prime.