Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tricky, unsettling puzzle-box movie has strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ultrasound
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ULTRASOUND, Glen (Vincent Kartheiser) is driving alone at night, in a rainstorm, when his tire hits some nails in the road. He makes his way to the nearest house, which is occupied by teacher Art (Bob Stephenson) and his wife, Cyndi (Chelsea Lopez). They kindly offer him shelter, but after some wine, Art insists on Glen sleeping in the bedroom with Cyndi, while, he, Art, takes the couch. The next day, Glen wakes up to find everyone gone, so he leaves. Some time later, Art appears at his door, informing him that Cyndi is pregnant. Meanwhile, viewers also meet pregnant Katie (Rainey Qualley), who's being kept alone in a fancy apartment, and psychological researcher Shannon (Breeda Wool), who seems to be conducting interviews involving hypnotism. How does all this come together?
Is It Any Good?
This tricky, unsettling puzzle-box sci-fi tale feels initially familiar, but it doles out its clues at all the right spots, in just the right proportions, until we're left brain-bent and gobsmacked. The feature directing debut of Rob Schroeder -- and the first produced screenplay by writer Conor Stechschulte -- Ultrasound may at first make viewers feel as if they're way ahead of the characters, which is one of its best tricks. But there are little planted clues to let us know that, indeed, things are not as straightforward as they look. Wool (Mr. Mercedes, UnREAL, Mass) is a great pivot point for the story; there's a strange, nervous quality about her performance that keeps things off-balance.
Early on, viewers see her character, Shannon, memorizing dialogue -- words we've heard Glen and Cyndi say to each other. Is she copying down what they said, or is she feeding words to them? Or something else? It turns out that even Shannon doesn't quite know everything that's going on, and the mastermind, Dr. Conners (Tunde Adebimpe), has a dark reason for all of it that packs a wallop. Ultrasound is jumpy and nervy, and it assumes that its audience is smart and demands that attention be paid. It also has no use for any tacked-on chase scenes or fights. Everything here is devoted to the puzzle, and it's very satisfying to see the pieces click together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ultrasound's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How is sex depicted? What values are implied?
How does the movie demonstrate the idea that power corrupts?
Do you consider Shannon a role model? What would you do if you found out that the company you worked for was responsible for terrible deeds?
What's the appeal of puzzle-box movies? Is it the fun of solving the puzzle? Or is it more fun not solving the puzzle and experiencing the surprise? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2022
- Cast : Vincent Kartheiser , Breeda Wool , Chelsea Lopez
- Director : Rob Schroeder
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 21, 2022
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