SWALLOW

This film shows depth in scenes with the use of wide/far shots, unbalanced lighting, and the contrast in colours. Every frame has a powerful visual look, the use of colour and contrast is particularly impressive, with vibrant, saturated hues of pinks, yellows, blues which conveys Hunter’s inner life and the drab with its own drab sterile tones of her surroundings highlighting her life of confinement and oppression. Many shots of simplicity and stability convey Hunter’s sense of control and agency just as she presents herself on the outside, while abrupt, jarring cuts portray the moments of distress and disorientation for Hunter. The camera techniques used are a significant emotional tool to portray the depth to the film’s exploration of mental illness, and abusive control. The camera often looks over Hunter, belittles her and makes her look weak.

I’m not an expert of horror films however I feel like there are uses of Classic 80s horror cliques and the film employs multiple visual motifs, including recurring images of Hunter’s consumption of inedible objects to reinforce the film’s themes of control, desire, and the struggle for autonomy. Thanks to what I can only guess are prime lenses; the quality of the image is sharp which helps with that depth in scenes and beautiful lighting of low lighting conditions.

There is a thematic regularity of isolation, control and power. Hunter mimics her surroundings and people around her by using colour and clothing, like it makes her feel powerful. Hunter is battling control and power over herself despite the Men in her family constantly trying to control and dictate her life, so much so that even when her step mother tells her to do something it comes from the men.

I believe Carlo Mirabella-Davis has written in the idea that women hurt internally, while men hurt externally - men push outside by shouting, violent and controlling while women push in by harming and isolating themselves.

Hunter’s relationships in Swallow (2019) are complex and often difficult to say the least, reflecting the film’s broader themes of isolation and the struggle to connect with others in a world that seeks to control and suppress individuality based on gender roles. Richie only cares about himself and has little knowledge about Hunter; he has to pay people to learn about her, he can’t even bother to listen and understand her. Richie’s family are narcissistic and are known to look down on others, believing that they are more knowledgeable than others despite having workers to do everything for them. The only people that care about Hunter are the household employees. Richie controls her speech, cutting her off in sentences, her money and treats her as a possession. Hunter wants to make him happy and apologises to him repeatedly even though he never does. The viewers understand throughout the movie that Hunter won’t be free until she makes herself happy.

The rule of thirds is used to the story’s advantage as often Hunter is on the corner of the screen out in the open and vulnerable to the world. Hunter is often divided by everyone else with a line in the corner. In these scenes, Hunter’s family treats her like a kid and talks over her. Showing a frame inside a frame expresses the feeling of being trapped with no space, even in a large room, there is still no space.

Swallow (2019) is a vibrantly haunting, powerful and thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of mental illness, and individual autonomy. The film’s powerful performances, stunning visual look, and camera techniques create an emotionally resonant experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. The film’s exploration of the suffocating expectations placed on women is particularly striking, and its use of colour and contrast creates a striking atmosphere that perfectly captures the psychological intensity of Hunter’s journey. I had many more notes that I didn’t expand on and I’ve probably repeated, so do yourself a favour and watch this film - I can’t lie, I haven’t ever squirmed like this in my life except with this film.

As of writing, Swallow (2019) is available to watch on MUBI. mubi.com/films/swallow

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