Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Denis O’Hare, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche, Luna Lauren Velez, Zabryna Guevara, Laith Nakli, Babak Tafti, Nicole Kang, Olivia Perez, Kristi Kirk, Alyssa Bresnahan, Maya Days
Description: Hunter (Haley Bennett), a newly pregnant housewife, finds herself increasingly compelled to consume dangerous objects. As her husband (Austin Stowell) and his family tighten their control over her life, she must confront the dark secret behind her new obsession.
Review: It all seems so perfect. Hunter married a rich man and she wants to do everything to make her Richie happy. Her in-laws bought them a house as a wedding gift and it turns out Hunter is pregnant. But it’s no fairytale at all, Hunter’s life feels oppressive. Everyone underestimates her, but most off all she does it herself. Hunter has to meet a lot of expectations and her life doesn’t feel hers anymore. Until she swallows a marble.
There is a disorder where people feel the urge to swallow objects that are normally not for consumption. It’s called pica, which sounds innocent. But for Hunter is anything but that. And since there is also a baby growing inside her it makes it extra risky. Or as her in-laws call it ‘the future CEO of the company’. Hunter doesn’t seem to be enjoying being pregnant, only consuming indigestible objects bring her little moments of joy. Horror and thriller have many forms. Whether it’s jump scares, gore, suspense, it does something to all of us. “Swallow” has none of these things, but because of its content it makes you shiver and cringe and there is this constant nervous vibe hanging over it. And it’s a very uncomfortable film that pays with emotions. Hunter finding a new obsession is one thing, but finding out what lead her to it is also pretty creepy.
The film is strong when it comes to style, with unusual frames and clean shots. This adds to the feelings Hunter is experiencing and the pressure she is feeling from her cold husband Richie.
“Swallow” is almost completely leaning on Haley Bennet, who doesn’t really feel at home in her new house. She has to be one-dimensional for the people around her, but to the viewers she has many layers. Bennet is excellent as Hunter.
“Swallow” is not an easy watch and has some disturbing images. And it’s also an uncomfortable watch, which definitely does something to you. In a very original way.
Rating: 4 / 5
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