The Bay of Silence
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tense psychological drama has adult themes.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Bay of Silence
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In THE BAY OF SILENCE, Will (Claes Bang) and his wife, Rosalind (Olga Kurylenko), have just moved to a new house, when an accident leads Rosalind to take their children and run. As Will follows the clues left behind to track down his wife, a series of revelations unfold that make him question her sanity, and the integrity of those around her, as one crime leads to another. Will is forced to reassess everything he knows, making difficult choices that could mean the difference between life and death.
Is It Any Good?
A strong cast adds gravitas to this intense thriller, where nothing is quite as it seems, yet neither is it entirely unpredictable. Bang and Kurylenko have a natural chemistry as husband and wife, even as their relationship unravels and her behavior becomes erratic. Brian Cox as Rosalind's stepfather is the picture of upper-crust arrogance -- all fine art and pomp, with a brooding menace barely contained beneath the surface.
Adapted from a novel of the same name, The Bay of Silence moves at a solid pace with the pieces of the puzzle fitting together naturally. Each new revelation is set up with precision and care, if without much flourish. As the plot moves from location to location, the stunning settings are rich with a sense of place, from the detached London streets to the romantic, sun-drenched Italian coast, and the billowing ghostliness of a small Normandy fishing village. Interiors are beautifully lit and filled with a mystery and intrigue to match this carefully crafted thriller that offers a solid entry into the genre without reinventing the wheel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way in which mental health is discussed and represented in The Bay of Silence. Do you think it's a realistic portrayal? Why is it important to portray mental health issues sensitively on screen?
What are the main turning points in Will's journey that lead him to the final revelation? Will shows a dogged perseverance in uncovering the truth. When have you had to show perseverance in achieving something?
The movie deals with tough subject matters such as the death of a baby. How well do you think it handled these topics?
What makes this film thrilling? What is the appeal of thriller movies? Do you have a favorite film from this genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 14, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: August 14, 2020
- Cast: Claes Bang , Olga Kurylenko , Brian Cox
- Director: Paula van der Oest
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Vertical Entertainment
- Genre: Thriller
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate