“To listen to what cannot be heard.”
By Franco Alves
The documentary delves into an intimate and fragile territory: the universe of those who live with voices that burst into their minds without warning. From a deeply human perspective, the film reveals the diverse experiences of five protagonists who engage in dialogue with very different internal presences—some protective, others threatening. Through a therapeutic setup in which a psychiatrist speaks both with them and with the voices they hear, a broader understanding emerges of this phenomenon that affects a significant portion of the population and remains marked by stigma and misunderstanding.
The static camera and contained atmosphere foster a climate of intimacy in which each protagonist can reveal themselves without defenses. The unsettling arises naturally, never as a provocative device, and the viewer witnesses how these voices influence identity, emotions, and everyday life. The therapeutic approach is especially enlightening, as it does not focus on silencing these presences but on recognizing and negotiating with them—allowing some patients to discover tangible relief and regain a certain sense of control. The film suggests that these internal manifestations are not mere symptoms, but complex responses linked to past experiences that seek to be understood.
The sober staging, supported by immersive sound design, reinforces the introspective character of the narrative. The scenes outside the consulting room show the protagonists in their everyday lives, expanding their portrayal and revealing that, despite the weight of the voices, they continue to build relationships, desires, and routines. Altogether, My Word Against Mine becomes a luminous work that invites us to regard the phenomenon of hearing voices with renewed empathy, highlighting the importance of listening and respectful accompaniment as ways to transform fear into understanding.