Is Speechless Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Speechless is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Speechless Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Speechless emerges as a significant entry in the Cinema domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Well-known novelist and literary monument, 55-year-old Jan Meerman's successful life is thrown upside down when his 85-year-old mother, Josée Verbeke, unexpectedly has a severe stroke. Unlike standard genre fare, Speechless attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Hilde Van Mieghem, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Film elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Film is often anchored by its ensemble, and Speechless features a noteworthy lineup led by Stany Crets. Supported by the likes of Viviane de Muynck and Rik van Uffelen, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Stany Crets, Viviane de Muynck, Rik van Uffelen manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Cinema space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Speechless is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Speechless follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 105 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Speechless resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Film landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.7/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Speechless is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Well-known novelist and literary monument, 55-year-old Jan Meerman's successful life is thrown upside down when his 85-year-old mother, Josée Verbeke, unexpectedly has a severe stroke. Jan no longer recognizes his once lively mother as her verbal witticisms have been replaced by pitiful cries and gibberish. In these difficult times Jan faces the upcoming deadline of his new novel. The confrontation he has to engage with the decline of his mother makes him question his priorities.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Speechless (2017) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.7/10 and strong performance metrics in the Cinema categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Stany Crets, Viviane de Muynck, Rik van Uffelen or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Speechless is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Speechless Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Sooner
Telenet🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play MoviesSooner
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesAmazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Speechless has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Speechless stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speechless movie hit or flop?
Speechless has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Speechless worth watching?
Speechless is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Speechless online?
Speechless is currently available for streaming on Sooner. You can also check for it on platforms like Sooner, Telenet depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Well-known novelist and literary monument, 55-year-old Jan Meerman's successful life is thrown upside down when his 85-year-old mother, Josée Verbeke, unexpectedly has a severe stroke. Jan no longer recognizes his once lively mother as her verbal witticisms have been replaced by pitiful cries and gibberish. In these difficult times Jan faces the upcoming deadline of his new novel. The confrontation he has to engage with the decline of his mother makes him question his priorities.