‘Somebody’s Daughter’ is an unsettling yet finely crafted short film. Gareth Peevers, both writer and director, takes us on a tense, atmospheric journey through the Scottish Highlands, where vulnerability and fear collide in unexpected ways.
Rachel Loughran delivers a compelling performance as Molly, a young American hitchhiking alone to visit her estranged father. The beauty of the Highlands, captured by cinematographers Adam Scarth and Daniel Pacey, contrasts starkly with the creeping dread that builds once Molly accepts a ride from Donald, an older Scotsman played by Tony Greengrass.
The film is great in building suspense. A seemingly innocuous radio announcement about a hitchhiker’s murder throws a heavy shadow over Molly and Donald’s initially polite conversation. Peevers escalates the tension subtly but effectively, making the audience second-guess Donald’s intentions alongside Molly. Greengrass gives a restrained yet unsettling performance, with just enough ambiguity to keep us on edge, while Loughran portrays Molly’s increasing unease and vulnerability with authenticity.
The cinematography shines throughout, with picturesque shots enhancing the sense of isolation, while the close-up framing pulls us into the characters’ rising tension. The visual storytelling deepens the film’s psychological thriller aspect, making each glance and silence weighty.
Without spoiling too much, ‘Somebody’s Daughter’ delivers a twist that flips expectations, adding complexity to both characters. It’s more than just a thriller – it’s a story about trust, survival, and how things aren’t always as they seem. This is a well-made low-budget thriller and the performances by both Loughran and Greengrass are to be praised.
