Redefining Horror: Fear Beyond the Physical

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Somewhere Quiet
–

Genre: Horror, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Olivia West Lloyd
Writer(s): Olivia West Lloyd
Cast: Jennifer Kim, Kentucker Audley, Marin Ireland, Michéal Neeson
Where To Watch: premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Director Olivia West Lloyd gives us a psychological horror thriller that helps redefine the genre with SOMEWHERE QUIET. Trading the buckets of blood and jump-scares for a journey of psychological twists and turns, this film dares to lead its audience down a path less traveled by conventional horror. Taking the road less traveled, we get a film that scares the mind directly instead of through the eyes only.

With Ariel Marx's haunting soundtrack, we examine the psychological enigma of Meg, our protagonist, portrayed with raw emotion by Jennifer Kim. The story unravels as Meg, escaping the grips of a kidnapping, finds refuge with her partner, Scott (Kentucker Audley,) in his secluded family estate in Cape Cod. However, their quest for a peaceful retreat faces an unexpected intruder that twists the entire story. The film presents Meg's struggles to reclaim her life from the clutches of her traumatic past.

Madelin's (Marin Ireland) sudden appearance turns their tranquil retreat into a suspense-filled drama that never looks back. Meg's discomfort grows exponentially due to the mysteriously deep bond between Scott and the woman she thought was an intruder. Meanwhile, nightmarish visions and dreams revolving around an older woman in the nearby woods only make this unknown bond deeper and more confusing in the best way possible.

SOMEWHERE QUIET portrays Meg's mental fall amid the escalating unease, turning the household into an unparalleled match of emotions. The secret past between Scott and Madelin gradually connects to the audience, shedding light on Meg's horrific history.

Making her mark with her first directorial feature, Olivia West Lloyd presents SOMEWHERE QUIET, asking a provocative question: "What becomes of the Final Girl when the end credits roll?" The film navigates the depths of a reality warped by the unknown and fear.

This horror film questions a survivor's fate and shines a light on those whose life is forever tainted by a horrifying incident. The film dives deep into Meg's mind, showcasing the evolution of her fear following her survival. What connected with me most was how real the film felt; sure, it was a work of fiction (mostly), but at times it almost felt like we were witnessing a documentary.

SOMEWHERE QUIET explores the powerful grip of fear and its potential to shape our identities and influence our actions. It exhibits the horrifying metamorphosis of victims due to the psychological and emotional damage their minds have battled with. The narrative encapsulates the recurrent nature of anxiety, blurring the boundaries between victims and perpetrators. The film's strength lies in the fact that this story isn’t far removed from reality. I think that most of us could put ourselves in these shoes.

The film wraps with an unexpected twist; Meg, overwhelmed by her trauma, terrifyingly channels her fear, creating a disturbing portrayal of the unending cycle of terror. Adding an insightful dimension to the genre, this different type of horror story underscores the deeper elements of fear, emphasizing that true terror resides not on the screen but in our minds and what we connect with and make out of something.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of LAST RODEO STUDIOS/THE POPULATION/MPRM COMMUNICATIONS]