Queen of Earth 2015

Catherine finds herself grappling with the emotional aftermath of a breakup with her boyfriend, James, who has chosen to be with another woman. Adding to her turmoil is the recent passing of her father, a celebrated artist who tragically took his own life after battling depression. Understanding Catherine’s pain, her childhood friend, Virginia, extends an invitation for Catherine to spend a week at her family’s cabin. This retreat is interspersed with flashbacks of the prior year, revealing when Virginia had needed support from Catherine, only to feel sidelined by James’s presence, whom she disdained.

Tensions heighten as Catherine becomes disheartened upon discovering that Virginia has invited Rich, a local neighbor, to join their time together. Virginia openly critiques Catherine for her unhealthy, codependent relationships, particularly with James and her father, suggesting that Catherine has settled into the role of her father’s assistant rather than pursuing her own artistic path. In response, Catherine disparages Virginia’s lack of ambition and direction in life. Yet, despite their ongoing conflicts, Virginia reassures Catherine of her genuine care and desire to see her heal. The evenings unfold with Catherine attempting to capture Virginia’s likeness in a portrait, leading to deep conversations about their romantic entanglements.

As the days progress, Catherine’s mental state begins to spiral downward. She encounters a local who ominously warns her that Virginia’s parents are ill-intentioned. Struggling with insomnia and a waning appetite, she grows increasingly paranoid about Rich, convinced that he is creating a rift between her and Virginia. Virginia’s worries for Catherine heighten as Catherine, in turn, fears that they perceive her as unstable. Following a troubling exchange where Rich remarks on Catherine talking to herself, Virginia expresses that she finally sees the real Catherine. Initially viewing her as flawless, she now understands that Catherine has surrounded herself with men to shield her fragile identity. In a moment of reflection, Catherine confides in Virginia that she feels invisible and mourns the loss of the only two people who cared for her—her father and James. Virginia insists on her concern, but Catherine lightly brushes it off.

The narrative blurs further when Virginia takes Catherine out on a canoe. Virginia overhears a phone conversation where she mistakenly believes Catherine is talking to James, but it remains unclear if Catherine is instead recalling conversations with her deceased father. During a party thrown by Virginia for their neighbors, Catherine experiences disturbing visions of hostility from the guests, culminating in a breakdown triggered by accusations concerning her father’s alleged financial misconduct. In a panic, she flees the chaotic scene.

As her perception of reality unravels, Catherine faces a dinner where Rich makes light of her mental health struggles, suggesting she exploit her recent grief to jumpstart her art career. Incensed, Catherine delivers a biting retort, equating Rich to everything reprehensible in the world. The next day, she confronts Rich, holding him responsible for intruding on what should have been a healing experience with Virginia. Unmoved, he calls her a spoiled brat, resulting in a desperate attempt from Catherine to strangle him, leading to an emotional breakdown. This shock prompts Virginia to realize the extent of Catherine’s struggles—recognizing she is in far deeper than she had been the previous year.

As Catherine departs from the cabin for home, a poignant moment arises; Virginia recalls when Catherine had apologized for being a lesser friend and they had chuckled, promising that the roles would be reversed the following year. However, a sense of dread looms as guilt overwhelms Virginia when she later discovers Catherine’s completed portrait, sending her into a fit of tears while Catherine, elsewhere, laughs manically.