A protective father moves heaven and earth to shield his non-verbal daughter after she becomes entangled in a series of murders. Here is our review of writer director Martins Samuels thriller Somewhere Else.
Somewhere Else, directed by Martins Samuel and co-directed by Jide Kol, is a feature film that explores the story of a father protecting his non-verbal daughter, Alice, who has been arrested after a school shooting resulting in a death. Alice, a young girl with autism, cannot speak for herself, and the film shows how difficult it is for her to get help in a world that often misunderstands people with disabilities.
Coming in at a brisk 97 minutes, the film begins with fast, shaky handheld camera work that can feel a little confusing at first. This style reflects the father’s emotional turmoil and the chaos around the school situation. However, as the film moves forward, it switches to slower, smoother shots. Some drone transition shots are particularly good and give the film a wider, more cinematic feel.
Martins Samuel not only directed but also wrote, edited, and produced the film, showing a clear vision for the story he wanted to tell. Felix N. Mendoza III handled the main cinematography, supported by Rapha Bola. Their work helps create a strong visual style that mixes modern techniques with some older, classic filmmaking styles that where often seen in darker TV movies such as moody lighting, muted colour schemes and intimate close-ups which help set a somber tone throughout. These choices evoke a classic, serious drama feel while the lighting and camera movements feel natural, allowing the emotions of characters to come through clearly.
Cameron Arnett as the father, delivers the film’s best performance as he convincingly shows a man torn between anger at the injustice and his deep love for his daughter. Karen Abercrombie offers gentle and calming support in her role, while Oliver Haeden adds honesty to the story. However, not all performances are equally strong, and some of the supporting actors don’t always connect as well with the story. This unevenness can sometimes take viewers out of the moment.
The film’s themes focus on autism, disability, faith and abuse which gives it a mountain to climb that it doesn’t quite scale but doesn’t shy away from showing how hard it can be for those with disabilities to have their voices heard.
There are many scenes of two people simply talking to each other in rooms but thanks to some nice performances some are quietly powerful, carrying tension without needing loud or dramatic effects, which fits well with the film’s overall tone. The silence surrounding Alice’s character is a strong reminder of how much is lost when people cannot speak for themselves.
While the film’s pacing and style might not be for everyone, Somewhere Else is a thoughtful and important story. It has earned praise for its screenplay and is scheduled for a screening at the DoubleTree Hilton in Orlando.
Somewhere Else is a solid film that tells a moving and rarely seen story and asks viewers to listen more carefully to those whose voices are often missing from our screens and society. it leaves a lasting impression and opens up important conversations about inclusion and understanding.
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