Swallow Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Pregnant woman gets bored and starts an all-you-can-eat rock buffet, much to her husband’s dismay.

🍿 Swallow: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Hunter’s Life

Hunter, a young woman from a working-class background, marries Richie, who comes from a wealthy family poised to take over his father’s company. Suddenly, she is a housewife in a luxurious home, but feels stifled and isolated. Richie is often distant and inconsiderate, highlighting the disparity in their backgrounds and her lack of control.

The Onset of Pica

One day, Hunter impulsively swallows a marble, finding the experience exhilarating. This marks the beginning of her descent into pica, a psychological disorder characterized by the compulsion to eat inedible objects. She begins consuming increasingly dangerous items, such as thumbtacks and batteries, finding a sense of control in this bizarre habit.

Consequences and Treatment

Hunter’s pregnancy reveals the dangerous objects in her abdomen, leading to emergency surgery. Diagnosed with pica, she undergoes therapy and is monitored by Luay, a family friend. During therapy, it’s revealed that Hunter’s past trauma, particularly the circumstances of her conception (her mother’s rape), significantly contribute to her mental state and the pica.

Loss of Control

Discovering that Richie is secretly getting updates from her psychiatrist, Hunter feels betrayed and her sense of control diminishes further. This escalates her pica, leading to a dangerous incident where she swallows a screwdriver. Subsequently, Richie’s parents plan to commit her to a psychiatric hospital, attempting to control her life completely.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hunter (Haley Bennett): A newly pregnant housewife who develops pica as a way to cope with her oppressive and stifling domestic life and past trauma.
• Richie Conrad (Austin Stowell): Hunter’s wealthy and emotionally distant husband who tries to control her behavior and mental health.
• Katherine Conrad (Elizabeth Marvel): Richie’s controlling mother who seeks to maintain the family’s image and exerts influence over Hunter.
• Michael Conrad (David Rasche): Richie’s father, the CEO, who is primarily concerned with business and maintaining the family’s status.
• Erwin (Denis O’Hare): Hunter’s biological father who is ashamed of the circumstances of her conception and offers a moment of closure.
• Luay (Laith Nakli): A nurse hired to monitor Hunter, who initially dismisses her condition but eventually sympathizes with her and helps her escape.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hunter: “It feels good.” – Hunter says this when asked why she swallows objects, hinting at the sense of control and satisfaction she derives from the act.
• Katherine Conrad: “Are you happy, or are you pretending to be happy?” – Katherine asks Hunter this question, highlighting the superficiality of Hunter’s seemingly perfect life and the pressure to conform.
• Luay: “You need to find something that is yours.” – Luay tells Hunter this, recognizing her struggle for independence and self-discovery within her restrictive marriage.
• Hunter: “I thought it was what he wanted.” – Said during the phone call with Richie, explaining that Hunter rushed into marriage and pregnancy to please him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $33,419
• Worldwide Gross: $274,674

💥 Swallow Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie messed with my head! I was so uncomfortable watching Hunter’s struggles, but I couldn’t look away. The scene where she swallows the battery? I almost threw up. But the ending, when she finally takes control? I felt like cheering. It’s not a fun movie, but it’s a powerful one that really sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring trauma and mental health”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female leads and character studies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of pica (eating inedible objects)”
  • “Discussion and implication of rape”
  • “Abortion”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Swallow is a tightly wound, visually striking film that explores female autonomy with a darkly comedic edge. Bennett’s performance is captivating, drawing you into Hunter’s disturbing compulsion with surprising empathy. Not for the faint of heart, but a rewarding watch for those seeking something different.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Haley Bennett delivers a career-defining performance in this unsettling psychological drama. While the premise is extreme, the film tackles themes of control and trauma with surprising nuance. Swallow is a thought-provoking exploration of a woman reclaiming her body and her life.

Audience Reactions

Haley Bennett’s performance was incredible; she completely embodies the character’s isolation and desperation.: Most viewers agree that the movie is a powerful character study, even if disturbing.

Overall Consensus: Swallow is a divisive film that will either captivate you with its unsettling premise and strong performance or leave you feeling disturbed and unsatisfied. It’s a thought-provoking character study that explores themes of control, trauma, and female autonomy.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Award (Best Actress)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis based the film on his grandmother, who was institutionalized for ‘hysteria’.”
• “Haley Bennett was pregnant during filming, adding another layer to her portrayal of Hunter’s isolation and body dysmorphia.”
• “The film explores themes of control and autonomy through the lens of Pica, a rare eating disorder, providing a unique perspective on mental health struggles.”
• “The stark, modernist architecture of Hunter and Richie’s house was deliberately chosen to reflect the sterile and emotionally restrictive environment.”

🖥️ How to Watch Swallow?

As of October 2024, “Swallow” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as streaming options may vary by region. Consider purchasing the film to support independent cinema and own it for future viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Swallow, you might like these similar films:

• Black Swan (2010): Explores themes of mental breakdown and loss of control under immense pressure, with a focus on body image and self-destruction.
• Repulsion (1965): A psychological horror film that delves into the protagonist’s growing detachment from reality and descent into madness, similar to Hunter’s increasing isolation.
• The Babadook (2014): Deals with a woman’s mental health struggles and a sense of being trapped and overwhelmed, mirroring Hunter’s feelings of powerlessness.
• Safe (1995): A woman develops a mysterious illness as a response to her environment and patriarchal surroundings, in an attempt to regain agency.

🛒 Swallow Related Products

• Pica Disorder Awareness T-Shirt: Raise awareness for Pica disorder with this stylish and comfortable t-shirt. Proceeds from the sale of this shirt will be donated to research for treatment and support for individuals with Pica.
• The Gilded Cage: A Novel Inspired by ‘Swallow’: Explore similar themes of isolation, control, and self-discovery with this digital novel inspired by the movie ‘Swallow.’ This book contains mature themes.
• Crystal Marbles Set – Decorative and Calming: This set of colorful glass marbles offer a beautiful, reflective and calming presence. They are for display only. Comes in a velvet bag for safekeeping. **Not intended for swallowing. This is not a toy, choking hazard!**
• Haley Bennett Signed ‘Swallow’ Movie Poster – Limited Edition: Own a piece of cinematic history with this limited edition ‘Swallow’ movie poster, hand-signed by Haley Bennett. A must-have for collectors and fans of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Swallow features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cool Walk, Hot Day” – performed by Bill Gordon Trio

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

SWALLOW (2020) Made Me Nauseous – Let Me Explain

Ever feel like a movie just gets under your skin? ‘Let Me Explain’ breaks down why ‘Swallow’ was so unsettling and thought-provoking. I found their analysis spot-on; it really digs into the film’s deeper meaning.

Swallow (2019) Ending Explained | Haunting Tube

Confused by the ending of ‘Swallow’? This video from Haunting Tube breaks it all down for you. Honestly, I had a completely different interpretation before seeing this; it really opened my eyes to some hidden themes.

Pregnant Housewife Develops a Strange Obsession to Swallow Dangerous Objects

Want a quick rundown of what ‘Swallow’ is all about? Movie Recaps has you covered with a clear and concise summary. I personally think it’s a great way to decide if the movie’s weirdness is something you’d be into!

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