Immersive audio is like a second character in a story – it can pull you in or leave you hovering. A tight 5.1 mix feels like a well‑orchestrated set of gestures; each speaker knows its job and the narrative keeps pace. Dolby Atmos adds height and movement, turning sound into a landscape you can walk through, which can make moments more visceral. The trick is balance: too many layers and the listener gets lost; too few and the immersion feels flat. Precision matters because every cue should serve the story, not just impress. So yes, a 5.1 can drive a narrative when you’re clever with placement, and Atmos can elevate it when you use the extra dimensions to reinforce emotion or tension. The key is to keep the focus on the story, not the technology.