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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Quiet One (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Following the tragic and untimely death of her deaf father, Dot, an orphaned teenager who is both deaf and mute, is sent to live with her godparents, Paul Deer and Olivia Deer, in Meriden, Connecticut. They have a teenage daughter, Nina Deer, who once shared a close friendship with Dot during their childhood, before Dot lost her hearing due to a medical condition. However, upon Dot’s arrival, she quickly realizes that the aloof and resentful Nina has no interest in rekindling their bond, often subjecting Dot to a barrage of insults and harsh treatment. The tension escalates as Dot observes that Olivia, an unfulfilled interior designer and former confidante of Dot’s mother, struggles with alcoholism and a troubling prescription drug addiction, further complicating the household dynamics.

One fateful night, Dot inadvertently stumbles upon a shocking secret while returning to her room. She witnesses an intimate moment between Paul and Nina in Nina’s bedroom, revealing a long-hidden, incestuous affair that Nina has been using as leverage against her father for years to fulfill her selfish desires. Meanwhile, at school, Dot finds herself ostracized, yet a glimmer of hope arrives when Connor, a basketball player, shows interest in her. This development incites jealousy from Nina’s abrasive friend, Michelle, who is also vying for Connor’s attention.

The plot thickens when Nina unexpectedly interrupts Dot as she passionately plays Beethoven on the family piano, causing a string to snap. Nina hears Dot express frustration, causing her to reassess her perception of Dot’s abilities. A strategic act of manipulation unfolds as Nina feigns ignorance, later confessing her deep-seated hatred towards her father and revealing a chilling plan to murder him during lunch the next day, all while pretending that Dot remains deaf.

As events unfold, Dot goes on a date with Connor, allowing him to communicate through lip-reading, which fortifies their budding connection. However, upon returning home, she once again witnesses Paul and Nina’s sordid entanglement, deliberately causing a ruckus to indicate her silent agreement with Nina. This alliance strengthens further when Dot comforts Nina as she weeps in her room. That evening, after a basketball game, Connor confides his personal struggles to Dot, and the two share a passionate encounter in the school swimming pool, marking a pivotal moment for Dot.

However, Nina’s plotting continues as she escalates her plans to harm Paul. After another confrontation with her father, which the audience learns spirals into violence, Dot intervenes in a moment of fierce loyalty and bravery. In a whirlwind of chaos, using a piano wire, she strangles Paul to death, an act witnessed only by Olivia, who, in a drug-induced haze, reveals her shock upon discovering that Dot can, in fact, hear.

As the narrative progresses, Michelle arrives to pick the girls up for the school dance, a seemingly innocent event that becomes a convoluted mask for the violent realities they just faced. Quickly changing out of their blood-stained dresses, Dot and Nina head to the dance, where Dot bravely reveals her secret to Connor—her ability to hear and speak. His anger towards her deceit causes a rift between them.

In their ensuing escape, Nina and Dot find solace at a hidden riverbank, where they bury the remnants of a life stained by trauma and betrayal. In an intimate moment, Dot shares the reason for her silence, illustrating her profound connection to her father that was ultimately severed by her mother’s passing. Upon returning home, they are confronted by the aftermath of their violent actions as police surround the house, leading to Olivia’s confession and an apology to Nina for ignoring her suffering. Ultimately, the film culminates in a poignant moment of freedom as Dot and Nina take to the piano together, unshackled from the oppression of their fathers and the disarray that has haunted them.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Quiet One (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Dot's Tragic Loss

Following the accidental death of her deaf father, Dot is left orphaned and must move to Meriden, Connecticut. She is sent to live with her godparents, Paul and Olivia Deer, as well as their daughter, Nina, who had been her childhood friend.

Meriden, Connecticut

Tension with Nina

Dot's arrival disrupts the household dynamic, as Nina, now a teenager, resents her presence. Insults and cold treatment from Nina make Dot feel unwelcome and isolated in her new home.

Olivia's Struggles

Dot soon realizes that Olivia, her godmother and an unfulfilled interior designer, is battling alcoholism and a prescription drug addiction. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Dot's already difficult life with her godparents.

Hidden Secrets

One night, Dot inadvertently witnesses an incestuous relationship between Nina and Paul when she sees them in bed together. This knowledge gives Nina leverage over her father, shaping their dysfunctional family dynamic.

Dot's Outcast Status

At school, Dot feels like a social outcast despite the interest shown in her by Connor, a basketball player. Nina's friend Michelle tries to monopolize Connor's attention, creating further tension between the girls.

School

Musical Revelation

When Nina overhears Dot playing Beethoven on the piano and hears her swear after a string breaks, she realizes Dot is not truly deaf or mute. Nina decides to hide this information, setting a dangerous game in motion.

Home

Confession of Hatred

During lunch, pretending Dot cannot hear, Nina confesses her hatred for her father. She reveals a chilling plot to murder him, showcasing the depths of her twisted relationship with Paul.

School

Date with Connor

Dot goes on a date with Connor, where they communicate through lip-reading. After their date, Dot returns home to find Paul and Nina together, and she intentionally creates a diversion to indicate her support for Nina.

Murder Plot Escalates

While ironing her cheerleading uniform, Nina attempts to confront Paul and nearly burns him with a hot iron. However, she cleverly switches tactics, lying to him about being pregnant, leading to plans for financial exploitation.

Plans for the Dance

As Nina and Dot prepare for the school dance, Nina reveals her intent to kill Paul later that night. She fantasizes about running away with the money, aiming to become a stripper and gain fame.

Home

Confrontation with Paul

Nina's confrontation with her father escalates when he accuses her of lying about the pregnancy. The argument grows violent, culminating in horrific violence as Dot decides to intervene.

Dot Takes Action

In a shocking turn, Dot strangles Paul to death with piano wire while defending Nina. This act of violence drastically alters the dynamics of their troubled household, leading to irreversible consequences.

Escape from the Scene

The girls quickly change out of their blood-soaked dresses before heading to the dance. They attempt to leave the traumatic incident behind, showing their desperation to maintain a semblance of normalcy.

Home

Burial of Secrets

At the dance, Dot confides in Connor that she can hear and speaks, causing him to feel betrayed. The girls later bury evidence of their violent past in a riverbank, signifying their attempt to start fresh.

Riverbank

Aftermath of Violence

Upon returning home, the girls find police cars outside, indicating that Olivia is turning herself in for Paul's murder. This chapter closes with Dot and Nina playing the piano together, signifying their newfound freedom.

Home

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Quiet One (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Dot

Dot is a profoundly complex character, grappling with the trauma of losing her father and her own identity as a deaf-mute. Initially appearing as vulnerable, she undergoes a significant transformation, revealing a resourceful and fierce side when defending her friend Nina. Her journey from isolation to empowerment highlights the strength of resilience even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

👧🏻 Orphan 🎹 Pianist 💔 Survivor

Nina

Nina embodies the struggles of adolescence compounded by her traumatic experiences with her father. Initially portrayed as resentful and cruel, her character reveals depth as her inner turmoil becomes apparent. Nina's desperate actions showcase her quest for autonomy while exposing the dark and twisted nature of their family dynamic.

👧 Influenced 🤐 Troubled ✨ Aspiring

Olivia

Olivia serves as a tragic figure, a mother struggling with addiction and her own failures as a guardian. Her character reveals the consequences of ignoring the abusive dynamics within her household. Despite her shortcomings, she seeks redemption in the film's harrowing conclusion, underscoring the complexity of parental relationships.

🧑‍🎨 Addicted 💔 Failed Mother 🚪 Unfulfilled

Connor

Connor is a figure of compassion and genuine interest in Dot, providing a connection to normal teenage life amidst the turmoil. His character represents the potential for understanding and affection, often clashing against the strong currents of Nina's jealousy and manipulation. His relationship with Dot showcases the importance of communication and genuine connection.

🏀 Athlete 💘 Love Interest 🤝 Supportive

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Quiet One (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern teen struggles and societal issues. Themes of familial bonds, deception, and the quest for identity resonate throughout the narrative while providing a snapshot of current societal dynamics.

Location

Meriden, Connecticut

Meriden, Connecticut, serves as the primary setting for the film, depicting a seemingly quiet suburban environment. Known for its historical significance and charming neighborhoods, it contrasts sharply with the dark events unfolding within a single household. The town's atmosphere amplifies the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters as they navigate their tumultuous lives.

🏡 Home 📍 Location

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Quiet One (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔪

Violence

Violence is a pervasive theme in the film, where familial relationships are marred by abuse and betrayal. The climax reveals the extreme lengths to which the characters go to escape their abusive situations. This theme emphasizes the raw and often hidden darkness within domestic spaces, challenging the notion of home as a safe haven.

🖤

Isolation

Isolation plays a significant role in shaping the characters' lives, particularly Dot, who feels alienated due to her past and her disabilities. This theme highlights the struggles of those who feel different and marginalized, driving the narrative towards connections that emerge amid the chaos. Ultimately, it reveals the deep need for understanding and solidarity in a fragmented world.

🎭

Deception

Deception runs deep in the characters' interactions, particularly between Dot and Nina. It manifests in their manipulations and the facades they maintain, revealing the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves or achieve their desires. The film critiques the complexities of truth and lies intertwined in personal relationships.

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