Nightmare Turned Thriller as ‘Listen Carefully’ Hits Digital Platforms

Ryan Barton-Grimley’s psychological thriller Listen Carefully is set to make its worldwide debut on Digital HD platforms on 16 December, following a successful festival run. The feature, which blends neo-noir elements with deeply personal themes, explores the dark recesses of the human psyche through an intense and emotionally charged storyline.

The film follows Andy McNeary, portrayed by Barton-Grimley himself, a corrupt assistant bank manager whose life spirals out of control after his infant daughter is stolen. As Andy becomes ensnared in a web of psychological torment, viewers are taken on a journey through his fractured reality. Co-star Simone Barton-Grimley plays Andy’s wife, Abby, while Ari Schneider lends an eerie presence as “The Voice.”

Listen Carefully premiered at Fantaspoa, the International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre, and later screened at North America’s Dances With Films. The feature continued its run at genre festivals such as Macabro in Mexico City and Fangofest Amposta, earning Barton-Grimley a nomination for Best Actor at Scarefest Weekend.

In a statement, Barton-Grimley revealed the film’s genesis from a nightmare he experienced during a family trip. Grappling with his anxieties about parenthood and self-worth, he channelled these fears into the screenplay. “It unravelled in my subconscious, reflecting back through a neo-noir psychological horror lens,” he explained, adding that the filmmaking process became a cathartic exercise in confronting his inner demons.

Listen Carefully is supported by a compact but highly talented crew, including frequent collaborators Audrey Haworth (production design) and Sean Ayers (cinematography). The film marks another milestone for Barton-Grimley, who gained recognition with the cult horror-comedy Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers.

Shot over 20 days with an indie budget, Listen Carefully leverages its limitations to create an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension. The tight-knit production team included Simone Barton-Grimley as a producer and star, underscoring the family-driven ethos behind the project.

The film’s unsettling tone is matched by its exploration of universal fears, from the vulnerabilities of parenthood to the fragility of identity. Early festival audiences have praised its ability to delve into raw, emotional territory while maintaining a taut psychological edge.

You can find Listen Carefully on platforms including Apple TV, Tubi, and Prime Video from 16 December.

Listen Carefully trailer