Things Heard & Seen

Behind the Scenes of Things Heard & Seen: Netflix’s Supernatural Thriller Starring Amanda Seyfried

Things Heard & Seen (2021), the Netflix supernatural thriller directed by the husband-and-wife duo Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman, arrived with a mix of eerie atmosphere and star power. Starring Amanda Seyfried and James Norton, the film promised a chilling exploration of marriage, secrets, and the supernatural—though its reception was decidedly mixed. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know about the making of this divisive project.

A Directorial Pair with a Unique Vision

Pulcini and Berman, known for their work on films like American Splendor (2003) and The Extra Man (2010), brought a distinct indie sensibility to Things Heard & Seen. The pair, who have been collaborating since the 1990s, are based in New York City and often focus on character-driven narratives . Their approach to this supernatural thriller was reportedly rooted in psychological tension rather than outright scares, though the film’s tone left some audiences underwhelmed.

In interviews, the directors emphasized the story’s themes of deception and the unseen forces lurking beneath domestic life. "It’s about the things we ignore or refuse to see in our relationships," Pulcini hinted in a Netflix promotional clip . Berman added that the film’s eerie setting—a remote farmhouse in upstate New York—was chosen to amplify the isolation of its characters .

Casting Choices and On-Screen Chemistry

Amanda Seyfried took on the role of Catherine Clare, a woman who begins to suspect her new home is haunted—and that her husband (James Norton) is hiding something sinister. Seyfried, known for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables, leaned into the film’s gothic horror elements, though critics were divided on her performance. Some praised her ability to convey paranoia and vulnerability, while others found her delivery uneven .

Natalia Dyer, best known for Stranger Things, played Willis, a young woman entangled in the Clares’ increasingly unsettling lives. Dyer’s chemistry with Seyfried became a talking point, with fans dissecting their dynamic in a viral Netflix discussion video . The supporting cast, including Karen Allen and F. Murray Abraham, added gravitas, though their roles were relatively brief.

Mixed Reception and Netflix’s Gamble

Things Heard & Seen premiered on Netflix in April 2021, positioning itself as a prestige horror-thriller. However, the film’s 5.3/10 rating on SensCritique (based on over 1,700 votes) suggested it didn’t fully land with audiences . Critics noted the film’s slow burn and atmospheric tension but criticized its pacing and lack of payoff.

Despite the lukewarm response, Netflix heavily promoted the movie, releasing multiple trailers and interviews with the cast and crew . The streaming giant likely saw potential in the film’s star power and gothic aesthetic, though it ultimately became a footnote in 2021’s horror lineup.

Unanswered Questions and Rumors

One lingering question is whether Things Heard & Seen was originally intended for a theatrical release before landing on Netflix. No concrete evidence confirms this, but the film’s high production values and A-list cast suggest it may have been shopped around before finding a home on the streaming platform.

Another rumor swirled about reshoots or script changes, though neither Pulcini nor Berman have publicly addressed this. Given the film’s uneven tone, some fans speculated that studio interference may have played a role, but this remains unconfirmed.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Intriguing Experiment

Things Heard & Seen may not have been the breakout horror hit Netflix hoped for, but it offered a moody, character-driven take on supernatural terror. Seyfried and Norton’s performances, along with the film’s haunting visuals, kept it afloat despite its flaws. For fans of slow-burn horror, it’s worth a watch—just don’t expect jump scares or a tidy resolution.