“What does it mean to listen while being vulnerable? Taking the concept “music as a gift”, four Berlin-based migrant queer musicians surprised their close friends or relatives with a special song, which then triggered a moment of deep appreciation between them. This film documents that process of them opening up, becoming vulnerable and letting go – with conversations about their marginalized kinship, trust, fluidity and fragility of life. Together they find comfort and “reverberations” of their sounds in each other.” (Official)
“Sonic Reverbs” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Offering up reflections on the struggles and triumphs of a group of young queer musicians working in Germany, “Sonic Waves” further focuses on the healing power of music and its key role in creating conversation. Billed as a documentary, the project acts as a snapshot of the artist's life during a certain time and their thoughts on how they ended up at this point in their life.
In capturing the culture surrounding the musicians, the production succeeds in capturing the benefits of existing within a community and the strength that can be built by finding your own tribe. The message, undeniably, will be relatable to a wide range of youth and 20-somethings' who understand the importance of exploring and celebrating their differences. However, this also limits the production to said audience, as the documentary has little to offer in greater commentary beyond the personal reflections of a few individuals. As such, it is difficult to envision those approaching mid-life finding much value in the words spoken here given the messaging is not unique, but rather a re-iteration of the importance of finding acceptance.
Visually and aurally, “Sonic Reverbs” reflects its subject's focus with music, approaching both elements with a sleekness and coolness that helps give the documentary a complimentary flow. However, the music can be a bit too ‘spot on' with its messaging with lyrics like “give your gift to the world” being too literal to leave room for deeper reflection. Still, with music tastes being subjective and putting aside whether the audience finds the music captivating or not, the doc is undeniably fashionably constructed and aesthetically pleasing. Sarnt Utamachote's cinematography and editing, in particular, give the film a defined visual style that makes it a highly enjoyable watch.
“Sonic Waves” is bound to appeal to a certain audience and will likely act as a strong source of inspiration for those who can relate to its messaging and cultural reflections. To an older audience or those disconnected from youth culture, the doc will likely come across as a dull and indulgent 20 minutes of people talking about their ‘feelings' and nothing more. Ultimately, if the synopsis piques your curiosity the short film is a worthy endeavor, otherwise, those who lean into the ‘internal grumpy old man' should just outright avoid this one.
