The Sounds

The Sounds is an intriguing drama series available on the Amazon Addon platform. Launched in 2020, the show is a gripping narrative married with stunning production, creating a rich viewing experience that leaves audiences craving for more. Created by Sarah-Kate Lynch and directed by Peter Stebbings, it's a thrilling ride into the realm of psychological suspense.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand, the show revolves around a vibrant Canadian couple, Maggie and Tom Cabbott, who are seeking to escape their complicated past by embarking on a fresh start in the seemingly peaceful and tranquil town by the water. The charming yet isolated landscape of New Zealand is an emphatic aspect of the show, often playing a crucial role and adding character to the narrative.

However, as the storyline unfolds, the tranquillity proves to be an illusion as hidden secrets start surfacing, bringing with them a pressure-cooker vibe ready to explode at any moment. The central plot jumps into high gear when Tom suddenly disappears, triggering a probe that exposes tortuous secrets of the picturesque community, which is far from the utopia it appears to be.

The Cabbotts have a grand plan to launch a sustainable, salmon farming operation in the Sounds community. This creates tension with certain elements of the town who are resistant to this foreign intrusion and looking to safeguard their monopoly on the local businesses. This conflict unravels and becomes a significant player in the series that adds to the mounting suspense and mystery surrounding Tom's disappearance.

Maggie, played to perfection by Rachelle Lefevre, is a dynamic, headstrong woman who refuses to be a mere damsel in distress. She takes it upon herself to decipher the circumstances of Tom's misfortune and in the process, discovers that her husband may not have been the man he portrayed himself to be. Lefevre brings a myriad of emotions to her character, effortlessly oscillating between the roles of a loving wife, a daring detective, a vulnerable damsel, and a fierce fighter.

While it's clear that Maggie wants to uncover her husband's truth, the show also portrays a depth of her character that strives to fit in with a small community that she should consider home. But her courage faces a hefty blow in the form of menacing undercurrents and a plethora of secrets that start unmasking the seemingly idyllic town.

The Sounds is not just about the enigmatic disappearance of Tom Cabbott, played by Matt Whelan. It’s also about relationships, secrets, lies, betrayal, and the lengths to which people go to protect their loved ones and their livelihoods. The series deftly interweaves numerous sub-plots revolving around the community, making it an expansive ensemble story rather than a singularly focused narrative.

The suspense intensifies with each character having their motives, secrets, and agendas, some related directly to the central mystery, some indirectly. All these singular threads are woven into a collective tapestry of suspense that refuses to let up till the very end. The series continuously offers up a sense of unease, ensuring that the viewers are glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

The Sounds features a robust cast that delivers compelling performances that are as much a hook as the story itself. Standout performances include actors like Emily Piggford and Peter Elliott, who add layers of depth to an already intriguing tale. This Canadian-New Zealand co-production deftly balances complex character development with a high-stakes, twisting storyline, resulting in a gripping thriller that maintains a sustained sense of intrigue.

The Sounds comes across as an effective blend of psychological intrigue and community drama, turning a picturesque paradise into a pressure-filled labyrinth of secrets. This show isn’t just an exploration of the human spirit when faced with adversity, but it is also a visual delight with its stunning landscape shots of New Zealand.

Transcending the geographical boundaries of its Canadian and New Zealand roots for a global audience, The Sounds is a binge-worthy, riveting watch for mystery lovers, and certainly one of 2020’s standout shows on the Amazon Addon platform.