Tessa Thompson gives a lovely, thoughtful and empathetic performance as Beth, the title character in “The Listener,” director Steve Buscemi’s eloquent film about callers to an all-night helpline called Softline. Thompson is alone on screen the entire time as Beth takes calls from a dozen people including a formerly incarcerated man adjusting to life on the outside, a mother with a special-needs child, or a homeless teen. Watching her respond to other people’s mental health issues, feelings of depression, thoughts of self-harm and loneliness is compelling. Despite its heavy subject matter, “The Listener” is remarkably life-affirming. As Beth listens attentively, she often draws what she imagines the person she is talking to looks like. (The callers are voiced by actors ranging from Logan Marshall-Green and Margaret Cho to Alia Shawkat and Bobby Soto).
The film, which was shot over six days in one location, is talky, but it never feels artificial. This is because Buscemi’s nimble direction gives Beth (and viewers) breathers between some of the calls, but also because of Thompson’s performance. Thompson, who is a producer on the film, pitches her voice perfectly as she responds to what she is told or gets callers talking about their feelings. But she also masterfully recalibrates her own emotions during and after each conversation. As Beth listens, her expressions shift naturally from interest to concern — both good and bad — depending on the situation. Thompson’s face and body language are especially revealing during an extended sequence where Beth talks with Laura (Rebecca Hall), a sociology professor contemplating suicide. As Laura gets Beth talking, and the listener explains why she provides this service, the film becomes quietly powerful.
