[Tribeca ’23] ‘Somewhere Quiet’ review: Patient mystery quickly unravels

Somewhere Quiet is an atmospheric thriller making its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival. Meg (Jennifer Kim, She Dies Tomorrow) takes a trip to the woods with her husband Scott (Kentucker Audley, Strawberry Mansion) to re-center her life after escaping a kidnapping. This opportunity quickly disappears when Scott’s cousin Madeleine (Marin Ireland, The Dark and the Wicked) shows up unexpectedly. Meg soon begins to question everything around her – including her own sanity.

It is no surprise that sound is an important part of the film. As expected, silence is a huge part, but it is the use of differing sound techniques that really stand out. Screeching music or snores will sometimes invade the movie, effectively interrupting the solitude. It adds an element of surprise to what is already a tension filled story.

Scott all but takes a backseat to the interactions between Meg and Madeleine. From her first appearance, Madeleine dominates the screen. Ireland is fantastic as the sophisticated and no nonsense cousin who is unafraid to say what she thinks, but still manages to be untrustworthy. She is an intimidating presence that gives the best performance of Somewhere Quiet.

It is the mystery that will keep audiences engaged, however. Unsurprisingly, Meg’s kidnapping has affected her adversely. While her PTSD seems to go as the plot deems necessary (she can no longer eat in front of others, but she has no problems approaching strangers), she is impossible not to root for. Kim conveys emotions that range from frustration to paranoia that show the depths of the struggle she is going through.

The patient pacing becomes unhinged in the final moments. A series of reveals leads to an ending that will shock and polarize audiences. Up until the end, Somewhere Quiet tells a story that has elements of horror and mystery. The twist is a neat one that may be a commentary on the cycle of violence or being trapped in our own personal hell, but does not really connect with everything that has previously happened.

Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and event can be found HERE