The Quiet One

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.