Somewhere Slow 2014

In the vibrant city of Wilmington, Delaware, we meet Anna, who makes her living by selling beauty products to doctors for Beutanical Gardens. Although she is genuinely sweet and often pays compliments to those around her, Anna harbors deep insecurities rooted in her childhood, believing she was unattractive. However, this perception is far from the truth, as even in moments where her makeup is absent, her beauty shines through.

During a seemingly ordinary visit to a fast food restaurant, Anna appears to be ordering for a group, but it becomes clear that all the food is for her alone. After indulging, she retreats to the bathroom to purge her food—a glimpse into her struggles with body image and eating disorders. Additionally, her habit of smoking and her obsessive-compulsive tendencies hint at a deeper emotional turmoil.

As her and her boyfriend Robert celebrate their first anniversary at a lovely restaurant, the evening takes an unexpected turn when she declines dessert, only to succumb to the sweet temptation moments later. This marks the beginning of a downward spiral when her boss informs her she is being let go due to performance issues, despite her apparent efforts. Ignoring orders not to take her product samples, she walks away with them, carrying both physical and emotional burdens.

Her visit to her ailing mother, who fights cancer while still taking care of Anna, reveals a complicated family dynamic. The tension escalates with Anna’s sister, who juggles caregiving duties and disapproves of her. Feeling overwhelmed, Anna indulges in reckless behavior, including smoking outside—a moment of escape from her responsibilities.

While driving with the tide of her life pulling her down, Anna finds herself with a nearly empty gas tank and a phone that needs charging. Instead of a practical stop for fuel, she opts for cigarettes. A subsequent event in the store propels Anna onto a bus bound for Maine, a journey towards a childhood cottage near a nuclear power plant in Massachusetts that belongs to her father’s family.

On the bus, she collides with the intriguing character of Danny, also known as Jason or Travis—a disillusioned Mormon seeking freedom from the constraints of his faith. Together, they make their way to Boston to find friends, where Danny’s reckless decision to steal a car kicks off a wild series of escapades.

Arriving at the home of Paul, who and his friends are a questionable lot involved in drugs and adult film production, Anna and Danny quickly realize they should not linger. Their adventure takes them to a seaside community reminiscent of the Kennedys, where they break into the family’s cottage, despite others now occupying it. The tensions rise as nosy neighbors begin to catch on.

What started as a thrilling journey morphs into a romantic tale, capturing heart-to-heart conversations between the couple about their pasts and aspirations. Even without significant plot developments, their mutual attraction and chemistry create an engaging dynamic. As conflicts arise, the audience sees the opportunity for resolution between Anna and Danny. Finally, upon recharging her phone, Anna is inundated with messages, beckoning her back to the complexities of her life that she desperately sought to escape.