Stress brings about an unusual behavior in Swallow, the narrative feature debut of writer/director Carlo Mirabella-Davis.
From the outside, it may not seem like Hunter has anything to worry about. A fancy house, an attractive husband, and a baby on the way makes it seem like life is hers for the taking, but the unease of having married into it all takes a toll. Does she deserve any of this? Can it be taken away? Of course, these questions are ridiculous, but fear gnaws at her, and in an attempt to gain a bit of control she develops pica, a desire to eat things that aren’t food.
Pitching this as a psychological thriller opens up a minefield for Mirabella-Davis, who will have to avoid using a a real disorder for exploitative schlock. He doesn’t have much a history behind the camera to assuage fears (he’s only made a few shorts and co-directed the documentary The Swell Season), but strong reviews out of the film’s festival run indicates that he may have threaded the needled.
I’m sure it didn’t hurt to have Haley Bennett (The Magnificent Seven) in the lead, an actress who’s been on a steady ascent without really breaking out. This is a meaty role, one that’s almost sure to keep her trend going, and she’s got a solid supporting cast to work with in Austin Stowell, Denis O’Hare, and Elizabeth Marvel.
With an intriguing premise that could go all sorts of ways, Swallow is one to keep your eye out for.
Swallow is directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis and stars Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, and Elizabeth Marvel. It will be released in the US on March 6th, 2020. For international release dates, click here.
Are you interested in this film? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.