Choke Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sex addict fakes choking to pay for his crazy mom’s hospital bills, then gets tangled in a Second Coming conspiracy, all while struggling to get it up for the potentially divine nurse, so basically a very strange rom-com.

🍿 Choke: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Victor’s Scams and Sex Addiction

Victor Mancini, portrayed by Sam Rockwell, struggles with sex addiction while working as a historical reenactor. To cover his mother’s medical expenses, he feigns choking in restaurants, exploiting the sympathy of his ‘rescuers’ for financial gain. This scam highlights his manipulation and desperation. The film uses quick cuts to depict Victor’s hypersexualized perception of women.

Relationship with His Mother

Victor’s relationship with his mother, Ida, played by Anjelica Huston, is complex and strained. Ida suffers from dementia and frequently mistakes Victor for others. Flashbacks reveal a chaotic childhood marked by Ida’s instability and questionable parenting decisions. These scenes provide insight into Victor’s present-day issues and motivations.

Encounter with Paige Marshall

During his visits to his mother, Victor meets Dr. Paige Marshall (Kelly Macdonald), a caring physician. Paige suggests an experimental stem cell treatment for Ida, requiring Victor’s genetic material. This leads to a series of awkward and unsuccessful attempts at intimacy. Paige eventually reveals information about Victor’s possible divine parentage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell): A sex-addicted con artist supports his mother’s hospital bills by faking choking incidents and exploiting the sympathy of his rescuers.
• Ida J. Mancini (Anjelica Huston): Victor’s mother suffers from dementia and holds the key to his mysterious origins.
• Paige Marshall (Kelly Macdonald): A hospital consultant becomes involved with Victor and the mystery of his parentage, while harboring secrets of her own.
• Denny (Brad William Henke): Victor’s best friend is a fellow sex addict who offers support and becomes entangled in Victor’s schemes.
• Lord High Charlie (Clark Gregg): Victor’s boss at the Colonial Dunsboro, provides a source of conflict and comedic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Victor Mancini: “We are not born equal sinners, or perfect knock-offs of God. The world tells us whether we’re heroes or victims. But, we can decide for ourselves.” – Victor reflects on the human condition and the power of self-determination in a cynical yet hopeful observation.
• Victor Mancini: “I’m a sex addict. Casual sex. Falling asleep during sex.” – Victor introduces himself at a sex addict support group, highlighting his deadpan humor and self-deprecating honesty.
• Victor Mancini: “My mom thinks I’m her lawyer.” – Victor explains his visits with his mother.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,926,565
• Worldwide Gross: $3,982,459

💥 Choke Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, “Choke” is messed up, but in a way that completely sucked me in. I was cringing one minute and laughing the next. The whole choking scam is ridiculously dark, but Sam Rockwell just owns the role. The scenes with his mom, played by Anjelica Huston, were surprisingly touching amidst all the craziness. Then there’s Kelly Macdonald, who brings this quirky sweetness to the film. Honestly, it made me think about addiction and family in a way I didn’t expect. Not for everyone, but definitely memorable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chuck Palahniuk’s writing”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark humor”
  • “Those interested in stories about dysfunctional families”
  • “Sam Rockwell fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Graphic language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Depictions of mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmCritic: “Choke excels in its darkly humorous portrayal of damaged characters. Sam Rockwell delivers a standout performance as Victor, balancing sleaze with vulnerability. While the plot can feel disjointed, the film’s unique tone and strong acting make it a worthwhile experience.
• Variety: “Clark Gregg’s adaptation of Palahniuk’s novel is a mixed bag. The film captures the source material’s edgy humor, but struggles to find emotional depth. Rockwell shines, but the narrative feels cluttered and rushed. Still, Choke offers a quirky and memorable cinematic ride.
• HollywoodReporter: “Rockwell’s manic overabundance of life becomes a whirlwind. sleeping with random women at every turn, hanging out with his masturbation-obsessed best friend (Brad William Henke who hopefully will start getting more work after this), angering his boss by using 20th century objects in a colonial environment, and visiting his mother, who is suffering from dementia, that believes he is her old deceased lawyers. Only Palahniuk’s warped mind could come up with this stuff, let alone tie it all together into a coherent plot that is interesting to follow through to its conclusion.

Audience Reactions

Rockwell’s performance is amazing; he perfectly embodies the flawed and complex character.: Fans loved the film’s dark humor and unconventional storytelling.

The unique plot keeps you guessing until the very end.: Viewers praised the film’s originality and refusal to conform to typical Hollywood tropes.

Overall Consensus: Choke is a darkly comedic and unconventional film that is not for everyone, but those who appreciate its unique tone and strong performances will find it memorable and thought-provoking.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Performance)- 2008

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chuck Palahniuk, the author of the book ‘Choke,’ makes a cameo appearance as the man sitting next to Victor on the plane at the end of the movie.”
• “Clark Gregg, known for his role as Agent Coulson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not only directed and wrote the screenplay but also played the role of Lord High Charlie.”
• “The film was shot at the Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, adding a realistic and slightly eerie atmosphere to the scenes set in the mental hospital.”

🖥️ How to Watch Choke?

As of October 2024, ‘Choke’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check local listings for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Fight Club (1999): Both films are based on novels by Chuck Palahniuk and explore themes of alienation, identity, and societal critique through dark humor and unconventional narratives.
• American Psycho (2000): Features a darkly comedic and disturbing exploration of a character with questionable morals and a distorted view of the world.
• Adaptation (2002): Features themes of personal struggle and unconventional narratives
• Bad Santa (2003): Another dark comedy with a morally questionable protagonist who challenges conventional societal norms and expectations, using humor to explore deeper issues.

🛒 Choke Related Products

• Choke (Chuck Palahniuk): The original novel by Chuck Palahniuk. A must-read for fans of the movie, offering a deeper dive into Victor’s twisted world and Palahniuk’s signature writing style.
• Sam Rockwell Movie Collection: A collection of Sam Rockwell’s best performances. This set will allow fans to further explore Rockwell’s impressive range and talent.
• Colonial Dunsboro T-Shirt: A unique and humorous T-shirt featuring the Colonial Dunsboro logo. A great way to showcase your love for “Choke” and its quirky setting.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Reckoner” – performed by Radiohead

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Happened After FIGHT CLUB? The Unmade Films Of Chuck Palahniuk

Ever wondered why more of Chuck Palahniuk’s books haven’t become movies? This video dives into the unmade films, including ‘Choke,’ and gives you the inside scoop. I found it super interesting to learn about the struggles of bringing his unique stories to life!

✨ Rate