By Amy Watkins
If there’s one film that will make you want to turn off your phone, it’s Ethan Evans’ Outside Noise, a terrifying short that takes you on a journey through the unknown.
The film follows Layla (Bobby Rainsbury), a young woman who uses an app called Outside Noise to play ambient sounds to fall asleep. But when the sounds begin to shift into reality, Layla finds herself trapped inside the app’s forest with a terrifying creature.
Outside Noise’s biggest strength is its use of sound, turning a tranquil environment into a hellish nightmare. The film has very little lighting, apart from the phone’s screen light, which in many ways heightens the sound design, making every whir of the trees or growl of the creature that little more jarring. What’s particularly effective is the use of notification sounds in the beginning, as Layla scrolls through her phone before bed. It’s echoing, loud, and overwhelming, only to be shut down suddenly by the sounds of the forest. Evans manipulates sound to heighten the horror, altering between soothing and menacing to trick us into a false sense of security.
Visually, Outside Noise capitalises on its dark tone, employing minimal lighting to create a sense of claustrophobia. This extends beyond the bedroom setting, as Layla enters the dark misted forest alone and scared. It’s a rare talent to turn a large, open space, into such an isolating and claustrophobic setting, but Evans managed to do just that with his artistic sound and lighting design.
Bobby Rainsbury’s performance as Layla is another highlight. There’s very little dialogue in the film, but Rainsbury’s raw expressions are enough to capture Layla’s fear and vulnerability. She effectively illustrates the internal struggle of her character, shining particularly in moments of tension, where every scream and quiver feels authentic and earned.
Ultimately, Outside Noise is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, effectively utilizing sound and minimalistic visuals to create an unsettling experience. Evans has crafted a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought about our relationship with technology and the hidden fears that accompany it.
Outside Noise screened as part of Grimmfest 2024.
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