Why Geena Davis Sounds Different in ‘The Boroughs’

If you’ve binge-watched the new Netflix series ‘The Boroughs‘ and found yourself pausing mid-episode to wonder about Geena Davis’s unique voice, you’re not alone. This question has been circulating online since the show’s release, and the answer is more intriguing than you might think.

In short, it’s a combination of both the character and the actress, working in perfect harmony. Davis’s sultry, gravelly voice, reminiscent of Lauren Bacall, enhances her character Renee, who has a romantic involvement with a younger security guard portrayed by Carlos Miranda. This distinctive vocal quality is intentional and central to the character.

Renee is crafted as a strong character who previously managed musicians, and she develops a connection with Paz, a younger, unemployed drummer who becomes one of the few sympathetic security guards at the Boroughs. This backstory is significant; a former music industry insider would naturally carry herself and her voice in a specific manner.

Davis has made it clear that Renee is meant to be unconventional. She describes the character as fully realized, sexual, funny, and a bit quirky. This quirkiness is integral to the role, influencing the odd cadences and dry delivery that define Renee’s dialogue. Every line is intentionally crafted to reflect who Renee is.

According to early reviews, Davis embraces her colorful, eccentric character wholeheartedly, and this enthusiasm extends to her vocal choices. An actress of Davis’s caliber does not arrive at such a distinctive vocal style by chance.

In interviews, Davis has been open about her deep connection to this role and how it has informed her performance. She feels the show was tailor-made for her, and she appreciates the strength and self-determination embodied in Renee. This personal investment is evident in every scene.

She noted that many of her past characters have been more advanced in their journey toward expressing their thoughts candidly, and that Renee is not constrained by politeness. This boldness is reflected in her voice, as Renee does not soften her edges for anyone, a philosophy that Davis embodies both physically and vocally.

Davis describes ‘The Boroughs’ as a story about a group of residents in an upscale retirement community who unite when a mysterious entity begins killing their neighbors. Within this context, Renee’s voice plays a narrative role, establishing her as the group’s most captivating and unpredictable member.

Renee’s vocal style stands out, especially against the ensemble cast. The show features Alfred Molina alongside a talented group of septuagenarian actors, including Geena Davis as the charismatic art teacher, Alfre Woodard as a serious former journalist, Clarke Peters as her New Age husband, and Denis O’Hare in a memorable role as a retired doctor with terminal cancer.

Each actor brings a unique energy to their scenes, and Davis’s vocal texture distinguishes Renee from the outset. When Renee attempts to report a crime to the local private security firm, a dismissive rent-a-cop’s sneer makes her delivery feel even more absurd, showcasing how her voice contributes to character development.

The show defies the trend of placing beloved actors like Alfred Molina and Geena Davis in supporting roles, instead positioning them at the forefront of a Spielbergian adventure about senior citizens uncovering a deadly conspiracy in their retirement community. This central role allows Davis to shape Renee’s personality significantly, with her voice being one of her most effective tools.

There is a broader cultural resurgence surrounding Davis, and ‘The Boroughs’ is part of that movement. She recently went viral during a cameo at Coachella, where the audience erupted when they recognized her playing an older version of Sabrina Carpenter in a skit that paid tribute to her iconic film ‘Thelma and Louise’.

Davis expressed her surprise at the overwhelming reaction, noting that she didn’t expect to trend. Yet here she is, with ‘The Boroughs’ serving as a platform for a new generation to experience the full force of Geena Davis’s talent in a character she truly believes in.

Having studied theater at Boston University and spoken Swedish for years, Davis has a long-standing relationship with language, voice, and performance. So when Renee’s voice comes across as a bit unusual, smoky, and unlike anyone else in that retirement community, it reflects decades of craft and a deliberate artistic choice. The real question is whether you find that voice as captivating as the show clearly does. If you’ve watched all of ‘The Boroughs,’ we’d love to hear your thoughts on it.