Some films appear enticing, tantalizing, and inviting—yet with that first bite, they leave you craving more, transforming from a satisfying meal into a course of speculation. These are the experiences that linger, prompting reflection and questions of purpose. That’s the essence of “Somewhere Quiet.”
As a lover of good films, I sometimes find myself needing to satisfy a particular craving. Occasionally, that craving is for something fresh and different. “Somewhere Quiet” fit that need perfectly.
A Character-Driven Thriller
Marketed as a thriller, “Somewhere Quiet” tells the story of a woman whose life spirals into a nightmarish ordeal following her kidnapping and subsequent return. The 2023 film is written and directed by Olivia West Lloyd, running for an hour and 42 minutes. Most of the story unfolds in a remote setting, which effectively complements the title. The film features a small ensemble cast that carries the narrative, primarily focusing on two characters: Meg (Jennifer Kim), the spiraling protagonist, and her partner Joe (Michael Neeson).
A Strong Start with Dark Promises
The film opens with an intriguing scene involving a man and a mutilated animal carcass. He stops his truck to haul the carcass away, only to be approached by a distressed woman. The man, seemingly kind and eager to help, appears extremely affable—yet there’s an unsettling undertone, as the woman’s distress hints at something more than just emotional turmoil. This opening is a compelling way to start, hinting at something sinister, dark, and possibly filled with unexpected reveals.
However, the connection between this intense beginning and the rest of the film feels largely disconnected. Its primary purpose seems to be to bring the viewer full circle by the end, serving more as a reverse chronology or a setup for where the story might ultimately lead. It’s less about foreshadowing the dramatic journey ahead and more about framing the ending as a destination already in mind.
When Artistic Intent Overlaps With Disorientation
The film moves at an extremely slow pace, meandering between reality and the protagonist’s introspective space. At times, it becomes difficult to distinguish one from the other. From a technical standpoint, some might argue that this approach works—it aims to immerse the viewer in the character’s mental state, and there’s a sense that you can feel her slipping between different realities, reflecting her internal deterioration. However, this doesn’t always succeed. Walking this fine line between artistic expression and confusion is tricky, and in “Somewhere Quiet,” it often leans toward the latter.
One of the most noticeable issues is the lack of clarity regarding the protagonist’s goal. There’s no clear delineation of her “normal” life that viewers can compare her current state to, either at the start or the end of the film. As a result, it’s impossible to gauge her journey or determine whether she ultimately overcomes her struggles. The film hints that she might have gained some clarity, but it’s just as plausible that she doesn’t—cracking under the pressure. Many questions remain unanswered, and the ending offers no explicit resolution; it simply drops us back where we began, leaving the story open-ended and ambiguous.
Performance Variations and Their Effect on the Story
A touch of mystery can be a valuable tool, and suspense often helps build engagement. But confusion, on the other hand, can derail a narrative—and this film is riddled with it. The acting varies greatly in effectiveness. If erratic, abnormal, and psychotic behaviors are the measure, then all three characters display these traits with raw passion. Some may argue that the performances are stellar in their intensity. However, it’s likely not the intention for all characters to appear borderline psychotic throughout the entire runtime. A bit more dynamism and variation in their portrayals could have added depth and clarity.
On the other hand, the film’s cinematography can be praised—particularly the remote setting, which provides a perfect backdrop of solitude. It’s an excellent location to visually depict the shattering of a once-functioning mind.
A Glimpse into a Splintering Mind
“Somewhere Quiet” begins with a bang but ultimately peters out with a whimper. It offers little in the way of genuine thrill. Instead, it’s more a barrage of suspense without a satisfying resolution. Overall, it feels like a fever dream—leaving the viewer questioning, “What just happened?” If that disorienting, surreal quality was the goal, then the film was brilliant. But I don’t believe that was the intention. For those curious to glimpse what a splintering mind might look like—if you’re willing to embrace the chaos—tune into “Somewhere Quiet,” now streaming on Hulu.
Uncut Diamonds 