I recently rented Swallow, the 2019 film written & directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis and staring Haley Bennett. I had only seen previews of the film and knew it involved a young woman struggling with Pica, a psychological eating disorder. The creators did a magnificent job keeping the plot, characters, and genre secretive until you watch it. The first question anyone would have seeing the trailer would be, "Why is she swallowing that?" and I love how that simple inquiry leads you to the movie which then unfolds into many difficult layers based around misogyny, patriarchy, pregnancy, classism, child abuse, control issues, facades, and identity. Along with a complex plot is the absolutely stunning set design, costuming, cinematography, and acting. The aesthetically pleasing visuals/color schemes are necessary to help ease the increasing pain the viewer and characters experience as the picture pushes forward. It's hard to put this in a genre of its own, but it is within the concept of a thriller and horror in everyday life. Swallow is a film that is meant for a wide range of audiences based on its important themes, layers, and discoveries. I'll keep my words from any further description because I want you to experience the mystery and intrigue of this film on your own. It is a great piece of cinema art shedding light on the fact that we never know what is going on in anyone's life.
Swallow is certainly hard to swallow.
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