Sound Spring: Review.

Directed by Catalina Alvarez, Sound Spring explores the history of Yellow Springs, Ohio, through eight unique vignettes. Entirely narrated by the small town’s residents, the documentary blends slice-of-life storytelling with reflections on the town’s dark history. Sound Spring premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival, giving the film and festival a more personal feel since both cities reside in Ohio. The personal feel is noted through every frame as Alvarez uses the story of Yellow Springs to create a narrative that any small town in the U.S. can connect with.

Yellow Spring, Ohio, is the sole focus of Sound Spring, in the way New York or Paris can become a character in a classic drama or lovely rom-com. While the town is small in population, the idea of Yellow Springs is a massive part of each resident’s story and connection to the past.

Alvarez contrasts Yellow Springs’ past racial prejudice with modern-day progressive symbols to showcase the town’s shift from discrimination to a place working towards inclusion. Throughout the vignettes, residents discuss the beautiful surrounding forest, the local college, changes in the political climate, and even breakdancing as the documentary weaves the story of Yellow Springs into a clear picture of life among the citizens.

As with many anthologies, not every vignette or chapter is equally engaging. Sections on breakdancing and telling the town’s history through hip-hop are creative, streamlining a typical documentary interview into art in its own right. Yet some sections lack the same transcendence as others. The best parts of Sound Spring tell the story of Yellow Springs in a way that conveys a larger, arcing tale of small-town America. However, the narrative sometimes loses itself when it becomes hyper-focused on Yellow Springs. Documentaries like Sound Spring often shine brightest when they follow a present-day narrative tied to the past. But, with Sound Spring‘s present narrative focused on the past, it makes perspectives seem too retrospective, losing the flavor of a modern, politically conscious doc and the depth of a historical documentary. 

Sound Spring‘s stories of racial discrimination and shifts towards progress are super important, especially in 2025 America. Interviews acknowledging the town’s past and connecting to the present enrich the documentary. Telling the story of a small town through vignettes creates a lot of room for creativity and ways to showcase the many facets of an overlooked area. Sound Spring carries several important messages throughout its story, but the film rarely engages viewers with a strong call to action or education. Using residents to tell the story of Yellow Springs is a beautiful homage to the city, and Sound Spring will have its fans. But it’s a niche audience seeking the comfort of Anytown, U.S.A., merged with political commentary. 

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