“Somewhere Quiet,” directed by Olivia West Lloyd, uncovers through the unreliable lens of Meg (Jennifer Kim), who has recently escaped a harrowing kidnapping experience. Seeking solace, Meg arrives at her husband Scott’s (Kentucker Audley) secluded family estate in Cape Cod, but instead of healing, she finds herself spiraling emotionally.
The narrative leaves audiences with numerous hints without ever leading them to a clear conclusion. The specifics surrounding Meg’s abduction remain shrouded in mystery, with her husband’s lack of support intensifying her turmoil.
His dismissal of her fears, particularly regarding food after being poisoned by her captor, and his suggestion that she write in her journal rather than engage with him, raises suspicions about his true intentions.
Secrets and buried fears shape a haunting history in Somewhere Quiet (Photo: Somewhere Quiet movie/Last Rodeo Studios and The Population)The story’s tension arises from Meg’s ongoing state of anxiety, creating uncertainty about what is genuine. As a result, viewers are left with unanswered questions about the identity of the peculiar elderly woman in the woods, the reason behind Scott’s sleepwalking, and the authenticity of the family heirloom Meg breaks.
This lack of trust permeates Meg’s reality, and consequently, the audience struggles to discern what is real, making for a disorienting viewing experience as they attempt to understand the film’s conclusion.
The Cousins’ Mysterious Dynamic
Scott’s relationship with his cousin Madelin (Marin Ireland, known for her compelling performance in “Eileen”) raises numerous questions within “Somewhere Quiet.” Their relationship, marked by an unsettling flirtation, is characterized by lingering glances and overly intimate gestures.
Meg often feels sidelined during Madelin’s surprise visits, during which the cousins share private jokes and reminisce about their past. Madelin goes so far as to criticize Meg for her substantial trust fund, implying that she is disconnected from the true struggles of their family, who appear to be less affluent.
As the film progresses, Meg learns about Madelin’s younger brother, who tragically drowned at the family beach. Madelin’s reflection on this loss, expressing disbelief over its reality, reinforces the film’s surreal tone. The intimate bond between Scott and Madelin creates an unsettling nightmare for Meg.
Various subjective shots at the beach capture Scott and Madelin gazing directly at the camera with sinister smiles, prompting speculation about whether this is a memory of a plot to drown Meg for her inheritance or simply a projection of her fears.
Meg witnesses a kiss between Scott and Madelin on the beach, yet the ambiguous nature of the film casts doubt on whether this scene reflects reality or merely her suspicions about their closeness. The escalating tension surrounding the cousins finally reaches a boiling point in the film’s climactic moments.
The Unraveling Twist
A shocking revelation emerges when Meg uncovers evidence suggesting that Scott, along with Madelin, may have either orchestrated her kidnapping or manipulated her trauma to access her wealth.
A document reveals Scott’s petition for power of attorney over her, accompanied by a USB drive containing a humiliating ransom video he claims never reached him.
In a desperate bid for freedom, Meg attempts to flee the island on her motorcycle, resulting in the accidental death of Madelin’s dog, Minnow. This encounter culminates in Meg capturing Madelin and restraining her in the basement.
During this tense confrontation, Madelin mocks Meg, claiming she will never escape her trauma as it has become ingrained in her psyche. Yet, as with many aspects of “Somewhere Quiet,” it’s unclear whether Madelin’s words hold truth. The editing creates a disjointed feel, leaving the viewer questioning the authenticity of the scene.
When Scott eventually finds Meg and Madelin in the basement, their confrontation escalates into violence. Scott confesses to receiving the ransom video but asserts he had already mourned Meg, accepting her death. He denies orchestrating her kidnapping, although this statement could serve as a distraction from his involvement.
In the result of their struggle, Meg awakens to find Scott’s lifeless body on top of her. The film’s closing scene mirrors its beginning, as Meg threatens a driver with a shotgun and commandeers his truck. Overcome with emotion, she drives away in tears before halting to stand outside the vehicle, where the distant sound of sirens interrupts the stillness.
Meg’s Fate at the Story’s End
The peculiar affection between Scott and Madelin is undeniable, with a local resident mentioning Scott’s previous extended stay with Madelin at the compound. Their apparent plan to exploit Meg’s mental instability raises questions about whether they were involved in her kidnapping, leaving this crucial detail ambiguous.
Meg’s emotional turmoil takes center stage (Photo: Somewhere Quiet movie/Last Rodeo Studios and The Population)The sirens in the final scene suggest that the repercussions of Meg’s violent actions against her cousins are about to be revealed. Her psychological turmoil has driven her to a breaking point. The identity of the older woman Meg encounters in the forest remains a mystery.
Is she Madelin’s bedridden mother, a figment of Meg’s imagination representing her adopted mother, or simply a ghost? Meg’s lack of recognition points to a deeper, unsettling truth about the environment surrounding her, hinting at a need for her to escape.
A connection exists between Meg’s abduction and themes of colonialism and adoption trauma. Having been adopted as a child, Meg struggles with her cultural identity and language, unlike Madelin, whose family engaged with Korean culture through teaching and missionary work.
The way Scott and Madelin manipulate Meg reflects a broader exploitation of the Korean community. Meg’s feelings of isolation and distrust stem from her experiences of displacement — first from her biological family and country, and later from her life with Scott.
As “Somewhere Quiet” remains firmly rooted in Meg’s fractured perception, any exploration of the objective truth behind the film’s events feels speculative. However, one clear takeaway aligns with Madelin’s assertion that the traumas endured in childhood and adulthood — particularly regarding adoption — will linger indefinitely.
