Movie Review: ‘Long Time Listener’

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Review by James Lindorf

True crime has become one of the most dominant forces in all forms of entertainment including podcasting. It was only a matter of time before Hollywood started mining that world for content of its own. “Long Time Listener” arrives on ALLBLK on April 2nd, asking what happens when the person telling everyone else’s darkest stories becomes the subject of one herself.

Genesis (Meagan Holder) hosts “Something to Stalk About,” a true-crime podcast that has built a loyal following. However, if it bleeds it leads, has been put to the test by, sex sells, as in recent months “Stalk” has been losing the ratings war to a dating mishaps and advice show. Joined by her co-host and friend Max (Cleo Berry) and producer and ex-boyfriend Carter (Lyriq Bent), Genesis finds herself being contacted by a mysterious long-time listener whose messages grow increasingly personal and threatening. The stalker hints at a deeper connection to Genesis, but in the tradition of “Scream,” the attacks are sporadic and the big reveal is saved for the climax. The supporting cast includes Lisha Wheeler, Keyara Milliner, Lucy Faust, and a cameo from Torrei Hart.

“Long Time Listener” is the feature directorial debut of Danielle Nicolet, best known to audiences as an actress from “The Flash” and “Central Intelligence.” Her background in performance shows up where it matters most, in how she handles her cast. The friendship between Genesis and Max feels genuine and lived-in, and the tension between Genesis and Carter has a natural push and pull that suggests a real history. The standout discovery here is Berry, a new name to me, who may be the best thing in the film. He brings an ease and warmth to Max that makes every scene with him more watchable, and that is a credit to both his talent and Nicolet’s guidance. Unfortunately, the shine from Berry dims when we reach the climax leaving me to wonder if he is more comfortable in comedies and dramas than thrillers and slashers.

The podcast world the film inhabits feels less like the home office operations and Patreon pages most of us associate with the medium and more like a competitive radio network where ratings are everything and the pressure to sensationalize is constant. It is a heightened version of reality, but it gives the story its stakes and provides a reasonable enough backdrop for the thriller elements to play out.

Without this added pressure Genesis would be less likely to entertain the disturbing phone calls, but her desperation to reclaim the number one spot could be her undoing. Where “Long Time Listener” struggles is in the stretch between its setup and its payoff. At 85 minutes it should feel lean, but it plays long. The film is largely a series of phone calls and conversations, each one treated with the same gravity as if the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Every exchange carries maximum seriousness, and without the mounting tension and the pressure relief of comedic moments you lose what makes thrillers and slashers special and you are left with the tone feeling relentlessly one-note. There is not enough buildup to justify the tension the film is reaching for. By the time the climax arrives it is trying a bit too hard to be clever and tie all these underdeveloped elements together. That ambition, however modestly executed, is worth acknowledging.

They struggled with lighting during the attack scenes but outside of those moments I found they way it lit the actors to be very well done. Another thing that is an undoubted success is their integration of sexualities of all kinds. These people are coworkers but they all have a history and discuss apps, dating, hookups and sex comfortably and naturally. “Long Time Listener” is best consumed with a group or as background viewing, though you won’t feel punished for giving it your full attention.

If a scene doesn’t involve Genesis and Max or Genesis and Carter, it is a perfectly acceptable time to refill your drink. This is solidly above the average Syfy or Tubi offering but it is a comfortable fit for ALLBLK rather than a film straining against the ceiling of its platform. For viewers looking to ease their way into more aggressive psychological thrillers, or those who want to support filmmakers and casts of color, this is a reasonable place to start. For everyone else, “Long Time Listener” comes in at a 2.5 out of 5.

Rating: N/A
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): April 2nd, 2026
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director: Danielle Nicolet
Producer: Joe Narode, Jonathan Knosp, Roxanne Warren, Todd Warren, Tim Warren, Brett Dismuke, Nikki Love
Screenwriter: John Doolan, Joe Narode
Distributor: ALLBLK
Production Co: Green Apple Entertainment