By JASON GUYER
In some form we all want control.
No, not control of others. The majority of us simply want control over our own lives. For many — and I know I have my moments — life can seem out of control at times. How do we gain some semblance of control of our own lives?
This is in part the premise of the 2020 film “Swallow.”
DISCLAIMER: Please never do what the main character does in the film. Trust me, this warning will become clear in a second.
The film stars Haley Bennett in one of the most in-control performances in a psychological thriller in at least 10 years. “Swallow” is a masterclass in despair or ennui.
“Swallow” follows a young housewife named Hunter Conrad, played by Bennett. On the surface, Hunter appears to have it all. She is in what some would call a seemingly perfect marriage; though, it is clear that Hunter is in despair and unhappy in her marriage.
Then Hunter finds out she is pregnant.
As her husband’s masculine expectations and pressure to meet her controlling in-laws start to mount, Hunter’s despair starts to manifest. She develops pica.
Pica is when a person has the irresistible urge to ingest inedible objects or materials.
Hunter’s condition has her compulsively swallowing inedible and oftentimes life-threatening objects varying from marbles to electronic components.
This is obviously a very dangerous thing to do, so again, don’t do this.
What Hunter is experiencing does happen, especially without the pica manifestation, and are unfortunately somewhat common feelings. Bennett breathes life into a struggling character. Hunter is in clear despair, but Bennett plays the role with a calmness that is both provocative and strengthens all the emotional aspects of what Hunter is going through.
“Swallow ‘’ is a study of abuse and isolation, and what that can do to a person or the effect it can have on a psyche.
Hunter’s actions are, to the character, an act of defiance in an abusive world. One that not only currently comes in the form of her husband, but was first heaped upon her at birth through her father and mother. In a life of judgements and oppressions — from her birth to simply being a woman — that were and are out of her control, Hunter just wants some control of her own life.
Bennett is fantastic in “Swallow” and her acting abilities shine through in nearly every scene. From the very first marble to all the other objects, Bennett plays the part of swallowing as an act of defiance, a type of extreme independence, or even a profound liberation.
At one point, Bennett has this profound glee and happiness that just sings with emotion from swallowing an item. This scene spoke in a way few films ever do and a thought crossed my mind: “I know why the caged bird sings!” This is from a poem called “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Hunter is caged and in an extreme way, this is her way to self liberation or independence.
In a film looking to amplify one singular message, Bennett sings louder than most.
At the same time, while Bennett may be a beautiful revelation in her performance, writer and director Carlo Mirabella-Davis may deserve most of the credit.
Mirabella-Davis created a truly unique film experience. “Swallow” may be the most on-point and best psychological thriller ever crafted. The in-your-face look at gender roles, oppressive societal norms, body autonomy, and the way it faces imperfections is bold and unflinching. Mirabella-Davis does all these things with a subtle grace that Bennett encapsulates. One could not ask for a better psychological thriller to be made.
A psychological thriller is a thriller film that has a story that emphasizes the psychology of its characters. “Swallow” does this in spades. The character of Hunter is seen in full from her psychological state in the beginning to the end with her ultimate self liberation.
Some will make fun of the extreme nature or the ideologies of the film and that is unfortunate, because the point behind “Swallow’’ is to understand.
Hunter’s story is sad yet beautiful. Mirabella-Davis and Bennett make you understand the main character and her state of mind. That is as beautiful a film as an audience could ask for.
IRATE SCORE: 5/5
Jason Guyer is an avid moviegoer and works in the graphics department at the Eagle Times. For questions or comments he can be emailed at [email protected].
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