Name: Swallowed
Director: director Carlo Mirabella-Davis
Released: 2022-07-15T22:38:00

Swallow is one of those quiet films that creeps up on you, leaving a lasting impression. The story follows Hunter, a beautiful and softly spoken woman who finds herself married into a wealthy and controlling family. Whisked away into a secluded and isolated life, she becomes pregnant right on cue. Her husband seems like the perfect man, a dream for anyone looking in from the outside.

Together, they have the perfect house, the perfect friends, and the most doting, supportive in-laws. But Hunter is the exception in this flawless picture. Her parents are neither perfect nor doting, and her backstory lacks the high-class polish of her new surroundings. Despite having structure, routine, and every material comfort imaginable, something is missing. Swallow is a psychological horror movie at its finest.

Pica – What Is It?

Swallow Movie Explained

If you’ve never heard of the eating disorder Pica, this film dives deep into its complexities. For Hunter, this disorder brings comfort and rebellion. It is a way for her to challenge herself in a life that has gone stale and out of her control.

On the surface, eating small, sharp, and dangerous objects may seem unrelatable. But the film’s narrative captures universal emotions. Perhaps your in-laws have subtly undermined you with “helpful” advice. Maybe you’ve experienced the crushing monotony of a life that looks perfect on the outside but feels hollow within. Swallow explores these nuanced dynamics, offering moments that feel both deeply personal and unsettlingly familiar.

And if you’re worried about gore or gratuitous shock value, rest easy. This isn’t a film designed to make you squirm with horror money shots. Instead, it’s a psychological exploration that uses Hunter’s condition as a metaphor for her internal struggles.

Movies That Push Boundaries

Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis treats Hunter’s addiction with the same care and nuance often reserved for serial killers in psychological dramas. Her collection of “trophies” builds quietly, a stark contrast to her calm exterior. One of the film’s most haunting moments shows Hunter sitting in bed, reading a book gifted by her mother-in-law. But instead of turning the pages, she eats them.

Eventually, Hunter’s secret is discovered. After a trip to the hospital, where many of the objects she’s ingested must be surgically removed, her husband and in-laws take control. They assign her a minder, stripping away the last shreds of her autonomy. Ironically, the more they try to control her, the more Hunter clings to her addiction, it becomes both her rebellion and her escape.

Mirabella-Davis creates an atmosphere of suffocating tension. The dialogue and framing of scenes make Hunter’s vast house feel claustrophobic. Her designer clothes and picturesque surroundings only amplify her isolation, turning her seemingly perfect life into a gilded cage.

Psychological Horror at Its Best

Haley Bennett’s performance as Hunter is nothing short of extraordinary. With the smallest gestures, she conveys an entire spectrum of emotions, drawing the audience deeper into Hunter’s internal world. Rather than portraying weakness, Bennett’s performance reveals a metamorphosis—a woman quietly reclaiming her power, one step at a time.

The film’s visuals are meticulously crafted, using colors like red and blue to punctuate the otherwise sterile and beige palette. These deliberate choices highlight the emotional and psychological turmoil beneath the surface. Every frame feels intentional, and the narrative flows naturally, never losing its focus on Hunter’s journey against a backdrop of silent oppression.

A Dark, Memorable Debut

Swallow is not just a psychological horror drama—it’s a bold directorial debut from Carlo Mirabella-Davis. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like abortion and sexual violence, which are tackled with sensitivity and impact in the final act. This is a movie for lovers of dark, serious stories, executed with a steady hand and unflinching honesty.

Rating:
4.5 “What are you eating right now?” out of 5

Mother of Movies score

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