From Silence to Voice, From Shame to Pride

Review of the Colors of Silence Screenplay by Benjamin Wilner

Colors of Silence is a poignant coming-of-age drama. This coming-of-age is not only about its main character but is also evident in the meaning and themes of the work. The story revolves around Benjamin Cohen, an autistic teenager in the late 1990s and early 2010s grappling with the complexities of identity crisis, family, and love. The story begins with five-year-old Benjamin, where we meet his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth, who struggle to understand his needs, though Daniel resists accepting Benjamin’s differences. As Benjamin becomes an 18-year-old, quiet young man, his challenges intensify. His parents, now in their fifties, face their own struggles, and Benjamin encounters bullying at school. However, he finds solace in the presence of Max Greenfield, a popular basketball player. Benjamin’s unrequited feelings for Max reach a climax during an intimate performance at the prom, where he sings Hidden in the Quiet. The audience in the hall gradually realizes that Benjamin is singing this love song for another man. The consequences of this act are devastating.

Deeply traumatized, Benjamin flees to New York and finds temporary refuge in the queer community at the Duplex bar. There, he meets characters like Jackie, a trans woman, Jin, and Liam, the bar’s owner. Liam offers Benjamin a job and shelter but gradually takes control, exploiting Benjamin’s vulnerability in a toxic relationship. With the help of his chosen family—Jackie, Jin, and others—Benjamin rebuilds his life. He confronts Liam, reclaims his independence, and begins a healthy, romantic relationship with Jin. Accepted into Hunter College’s music program, Benjamin finds his voice through a new song, which he performs with pride at the Duplex.

The screenplay is written with particular sensitivity and nuance in depicting Benjamin’s experience as an autistic and queer individual. His social challenges and inner conflicts are vividly portrayed, avoiding clichés. The use of music as a means of expressing Benjamin’s emotions, especially in the song Hidden in the Quiet, is a powerful narrative tool that gives voice to his suppressed feelings. It’s worth noting that the use of music and song effectively conveys the character’s deepest emotions with intensity and authenticity, without concealment or censorship. The screenplay’s exploration of identity, particularly through the concept of “neuroqueer,” adds a fresh and meaningful layer to its coming-of-age theme. Benjamin’s journey from self-doubt to confident self-assurance is well-crafted, from setbacks (prom, Liam’s betrayal) to triumphs (his final performance). Supporting characters like Elizabeth, who evolves from a passive figure to a supportive mother, and Jin are as compelling as the protagonist. Even Daniel’s cautious redemption, rooted in his effort to “listen,” feels entirely authentic. The antagonist, Liam, as a manipulator who preys on a vulnerable person, is chillingly realistic. The transition from suburban New Jersey to New York’s queer nightlife is a dynamic shift that mirrors Benjamin’s growth. Thus, the change in setting becomes a catalyst for inner transformation. Here, the writer cleverly uses external elements to depict internal changes. The central metaphor of “colors of silence” is beautifully woven throughout the screenplay, symbolizing Benjamin’s hidden identity. Themes of acceptance, resilience, and the power of art to heal are universal yet personal, making the screenplay emotionally impactful. The screenplay consciously avoids overemphasizing issues like bullying and self-harm to focus on more significant aspects of the story.

The 100-page screenplay becomes busier in New York, but this bustle and variety of characters do not detract from the work. Benjamin’s confrontation with Liam spans several scenes but is so skillfully handled that it never disrupts the screenplay’s rhythm. The dialogue is generally strong, vividly bringing the characters to life. The greatest strength of Colors of Silence lies in its portrayal of a neurodivergent and queer protagonist’s journey toward self-acceptance and resilience. This strength manifests through several key elements: above all, Benjamin Cohen’s evolution from a silent, overwhelmed autistic teenager to a confident young adult who reclaims his voice. His inner struggles are depicted vividly and without stereotypes. The screenplay’s focus on his emotional and psychological growth, particularly through music as a medium for self-expression, creates a deeply relatable and inspiring feeling in the audience. The screenplay masterfully addresses various aspects of queerness. Benjamin must overcome shame, embrace his true self, and take pride in it. The screenplay’s depiction of the Duplex as a haven for queer individuals highlights the power of chosen family. In our society, individuals can choose their preferred family. Instead of remaining entangled in the complexities of a challenging family life, one can find a new family that serves as a refuge, being compassionate and supportive. Characters like Jackie, Jin, and others offer unconditional support.

Benjamin Cohen is the central protagonist of Colors of Silence, a multifaceted character whose journey drives the screenplay’s core themes. His autism is diagnosed at age five. His sensory processing differences are vividly portrayed—loud noises like lawnmowers or clinking silverware overwhelm him, causing physical and emotional distress. Social interactions are challenging; he struggles with eye contact, verbal communication, and interpreting social cues, often retreating into silence. These traits isolate him but also contribute to his unique perspective, such as his affinity for music, which becomes his primary mode of expression. Benjamin grapples with his queerness, particularly his attraction to men, which he keeps hidden due to fear of rejection and societal stigma. Music is his sanctuary, where he channels emotions he cannot articulate verbally. Benjamin’s vulnerability is palpable—he is shy and anxious. Yet, it should not be forgotten that this shy and vulnerable character can reclaim such inner strength that he overcomes and pushes aside all these harms and traumas, shining brightly. Benjamin’s journey from silence to voice, from inward to outward, from shame to pride, is a key and compelling arc that is well-crafted in the screenplay.

Colors of Silence is a profoundly impactful and ambitious screenplay that addresses significant themes with nuance and authenticity. Its strengths lie in its empathetic portrayal of a believable protagonist and a hopeful message about self-acceptance. The emotional climax, Benjamin’s final performance, leaves a lasting impact. This screenplay is a strong candidate for production, particularly for festivals or platforms seeking diverse, character-driven stories (e.g., Sundance, Netflix). With some revisions to streamline the narrative and refine the dialogue, Colors of Silence has the potential to become an outstanding independent drama, one with compelling and highly relevant themes in our era. A director who can delicately and fluidly bring a story to life would be a good fit for this screenplay.