Rebecca Hall Explores New Dimensions in ‘The Listeners’ and Addresses ‘Onslaught’ Connections to ‘The Guest’
Rebecca Hall has made significant strides in her career since the miniseries The Listeners premiered overseas in late 2024. Her latest performance in the five-part miniseries, directed by Janicza Bravo, debuted on June 12 on Starz, showcasing her commitment to her craft and her desire to maintain momentum in her career.
Hall’s Role in The Listeners
In The Listeners, adapted from Jordan Tannahill’s novel, Hall portrays Claire, an English teacher whose life spirals out of control upon hearing a persistent humming noise. This auditory phenomenon alienates her from family, friends, and colleagues as she desperately seeks answers. To embody Claire’s mental state, Hall utilized an earpiece that transmitted various hums, immersing herself in the character’s vulnerability.
Hall described the process of working with Bravo, stating that they experimented with different versions of the hum during filming. She requested variations, from aggressive to gentle, to enhance her performance. However, she noted that focusing on the sound could sometimes hinder her concentration.
The Hum: A Metaphor for Isolation
The low-frequency hum depicted in The Listeners is a real phenomenon attributed to various sources, both external and internal. The series intentionally leaves Claire’s affliction ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations. Hall reflected on the hum’s significance, connecting it to broader themes of perception and trust in one’s reality. She cited recent discussions about noise from data centers, emphasizing the duality of personal perception versus external validation.
Hall recently premiered two films at the Cannes Film Festival, The Man I Love and The End of It, but was unable to attend due to her filming schedule for Zero Protocol, a zombie horror movie. She also completed a psychological horror film titled A Head Full of Ghosts earlier this year. Additionally, she reunites with longtime friend Dan Stevens in the upcoming film Onslaught, directed by Adam Wingard and co-written by Simon Barrett, set for release in September.
Connections to The Guest
The anticipation surrounding Onslaught has led to speculation about its potential connections to Hall’s previous work in The Guest, a cult hit from 2014. Both films involve secret military experiments that enhance soldiers’ capabilities. Hall confirmed her role as a German villain in Onslaught but clarified that it is not a direct sequel to The Guest, despite having some thematic elements in common.
Hall expressed her excitement about the project, noting that it opens the door for her to explore a villainous character. She has not yet seen a cut of the film but is looking forward to its release.
The Creative Process
Hall discussed her approach to acting, emphasizing that she does what is necessary to fully embody her characters. She acknowledged that while she may not always adhere to method acting, she engages in practices that help her connect with her roles. This includes using physical techniques, such as performing jumping jacks before intense scenes.
The exploration of the hum in The Listeners serves as a metaphor for the isolation many experience in contemporary society. Hall articulated her view that the series narrativizes how beliefs can be formed in isolation, raising questions about reality and perception.
Future Projects and Reflections
Hall is currently working on three scripts for future projects, with one likely to be produced next year. She has been striving to get these projects off the ground since directing Passing. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted that the physical demands of The Listeners often felt akin to modern dance, as many scenes were shot outdoors in challenging conditions.
As The Listeners continues to air new episodes every Friday on Starz until July 10, Hall’s multifaceted career remains a point of interest for audiences and critics alike. Her ability to navigate various genres and roles showcases her versatility as an actress.
For more insights into Hall’s work and upcoming projects, visit Hollywood Reporter.
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Published on 2026-06-21 00:03:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk