'The Way We Speak' Review: A Witty, Warm Hearted Dive into How Language Connects Us
- Romey Norton
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - May 29, 2025
If there’s one indie gem that deserves a spot on your streaming queue this week, it’s The Way We Speak — a smart, heartfelt exploration of the power of language. With its blend of thoughtful storytelling, dry humour, and genuine emotion, this political drama stands out as a refreshingly human take on how we communicate, connect, and evolve through the words we choose.
What is 'The Way We Speak' about?
A MovieMaker Top 50 Festival recognised by Variety — The Way We Speak centres around Simon, an up-and-coming writer who refuses to leave the spotlight when his best friend and debate opponent suffers cardiac arrest. This event leads to an obsession over his new opponent and a growing rift with his ailing wife.
The film begins with the quote by Gore Vidal, “Envy is the central fact of American life”, which sets the precedent for the whole film. The Way We Speak is less about language as an academic subject and more about language as a living, breathing character in our lives. Director Ian Ebright, guides us through personal anecdotes, cultural shifts, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways our speech shapes identity. Always addressing the question: how do the words we use reflect who we are and who we want to be?
Patrick Fabian plays Simon with a charm that teeters on arrogance; but this doesn’t stop you from rooting for him. His character is more complicated as he tries to combat his mortality, grief and inner misogyny. Kailey Rhodes plays his opponent Sarah with confidence and wit, and together they have a compelling chemistry. It’s so interesting to watch two completely different people with different opinions on God go toe-to-toe in debates that they love.
Diana Coconubo as Simon's wife Claire is calm and compelling. Her character has cancer as is still the strong, supportive wife trying to keep her husband happy and in check. Every actor in the film helps drive the story along and keeps you invested as a viewer.
The script is crisp and intriguing. In a world where people are constantly being offended and cannot accept others opinions, this script shows how people can discuss and debate serious topics such as religion and God safely, and still disagree. It shows the need to find answers and be right as humans and how we are flawed in this pursuit. The wording is easy to understand, and you will find yourself flitting between Simon and Sarah on who you agree and disagree with; the film forces you to be an active viewer this way.
It is a little disappointing the debate never gets a final ending and a clear winner of the discussion around God, but it’s done this way so you the viewer can make up your own mind. With the film ending with Sarah and Simon sharing a moment of grief with their own views on the world, it’s both heart-felt and poetic.
Is 'The Way We Speak' Worth Watching?
Yes— For fans of political dramas and films that make you think about your own views and morals, The Way We Speak will be right up your street. Stream it now via Gravitas Ventures, or catch it closing the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival this April — and experience for yourself why this movie has critics like us talking.
'The Way We Speak' is available now on digital platforms — More Info
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