The following presentation is a work of fiction that infuses ASMR within this experimental dramatic story. ASMR incorporates whispering and using practical sounds in an artistic manner. The intention is to help a viewer relax and sleep. Results may vary. I recommend listening at a low volume with headphones to maximize the experience. The main component of ASMR having a relaxing effect depends on the awareness & state of mind you bring upon viewing. This presentation takes a different approach from traditional narrative that may be geared for entertainment and/or educational purposes.
I Am A Spy: Istanbul (2018)
45 min | ASMR Thriller, Thriller | 03 September 2018
"I AM A SPY: Istanbul" centers around a night in London where Fallon of MI6 attends a party to meet his lover only for him to die in his arms by poison. Fallon has been exposed as a mole within MI6 and escapes to Istanbul waiting the arrival of his partner Alina.
The spy genre has long been synonymous with suspense, style, and intrigue, but
Alexander Roman’s I Am A Spy: Istanbul reshapes the narrative by weaving ASMR into its fabric, creating a cinematic experience that is as relaxing as it is provocative. Equal parts experimental art and espionage drama, this 45-minute feature ventures into uncharted territory where whispered secrets meet shadowy betrayals.
The story begins in London with Fallon, an MI6 agent, whose clandestine meeting with his lover takes a tragic turn when his partner dies in his arms, poisoned by unseen enemies. Exposed as a mole, Fallon flees to Istanbul, awaiting Alina, his mysterious partner. This setup is classic spy thriller fare, but Roman’s approach veers sharply away from convention, plunging us into a world of whispered monologues, hypnotic soundscapes, and dreamlike visuals.
A New Kind of Spy Story
At its core, I Am A Spy: Istanbul is a meditation on deception, loyalty, and the dualities of identity. Fallon’s perspective dominates the narrative, and the film often feels like a diary whispered directly into the viewer’s ear. This intimacy is amplified by Roman’s use of ASMR, which incorporates delicate, layered sounds—whispering, footsteps, the clink of glass—to lull the audience into a heightened state of awareness. Rather than relying on bombastic action or plot twists, the film pulls you in with its hushed tension, asking you to lean closer and truly listen.
The decision to set much of the film in Istanbul is inspired. Roman captures the city’s layered history and labyrinthine streets, using its mystique to enhance the story’s themes of espionage and escape. The visual contrasts between Istanbul and the brief glimpses of London give the film a textured aesthetic, blending old-world charm with modern danger.
Sound as a Narrative Tool
The ASMR elements are not just a gimmick but an integral part of the storytelling. Every sound is carefully crafted to draw the viewer deeper into Fallon’s fragmented psyche. The repetitive, almost hypnotic use of sound effects mirrors the circular, obsessive nature of Fallon’s predicament. Roman’s voiceover, delivered in a soft, deliberate whisper, blurs the line between ally and conspirator, making the audience complicit in his secrets.
While some might find the ASMR approach too unconventional or even distracting, it’s impossible to deny its impact. The audio design creates a sensory experience that transcends the screen, making this more than just a film—it’s an invitation to feel, imagine, and dream alongside its protagonist.
Performances and Atmosphere
The ensemble cast brings a wide array of international spies to life, each characterized by subtle performances that resist caricature.
The masked sequences are among the film’s most evocative moments, as Fallon navigates a room full of hidden agendas and veiled faces. These scenes perfectly encapsulate Roman’s vision: the masks are metaphors for the layers of identity and deception that define the world of espionage, and the whispered conversations heighten the sense of mystery.
A Film to Be Felt, Not Just Watched
Roman himself acknowledges that ASMR films like I Am A Spy: Istanbul demand a particular state of mind. To fully appreciate this work, the viewer must surrender their critical instincts and embrace the film’s flow. This is not a film for everyone—its experimental nature may alienate those seeking the quick thrills of a conventional spy movie. But for those open to the experience, it offers something truly unique.
As Roman explores the boundaries of what a film can be, I Am A Spy: Istanbul stands as a testament to his commitment to innovation. The film doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses you in it, using sound, visuals, and performance to create a multisensory escape. Whether you’re drawn in by the espionage or lulled into a dreamlike trance, you’ll walk away from this film with a lingering sense of wonder—and perhaps the faintest tingling at the back of your neck.
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Director: C.B. Yi
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