Swallowed

I didn't like this film for the first twenty minutes or so, which is not a good way to start a review, but it's true. Although Swallowed has its flaws, it's such an unusual work with strong cinematography and quirky tone, and it stands out from the usual American film fare that I actually think it deserves a watch. The actors really embodied their roles, even Jena Malone who plays sort of a deputy drug mule wrangler.

I don't want to spoil the film, but it's essentially about a young man played by Cooper Koch who is moving to LA but not before one last get together with his friend. This friend has decided to be a drug mule for a large sum of money, which leads into a run in with the dealers organizing the drug run. There is a twist in Swallowed in that the drugs aren't ordinary drugs. I do think there was a missed opportunity as far as making the film into a true body horror film, but the realistic performances of the actors sell this film as the toeing-the-line-of-real-life tale that it is.

For the past few years horror films have become incredibly stagnant as a result of the continual rehashing of the same old tired genres: we constantly see endless zombie films, as well as countless vampire and "demonic possession" plotlines that have become increasingly derivative. Last night I saw "Swallowed," and it was refreshing to see director and writer Carter Stevens actually make an attempt to step out of the box and create something different for a change. In 2006 I saw an earlier short by Stevens called "Bugcrush" that dealt with a similar idea, but "Swallowed" has obviously expanded and reworked it.

"Swallowed's" storyline begins with two best friends, Benjamin (Cooper Koch) and Dom (Jose Colon) who reside in a small Maine town and are celebrating in a local bar. A clearly naive Benjamin has plans to move to Los Angeles, where he's convinced he'll become a successful porn star. Unbeknownst to him, Dom has arranged to supply his buddy with extra cash before he leaves by agreeing to become a drug runner as they drive across the border that night.

The film progresses and its mood becomes more intense and claustrophobic as the two young men are forced at gunpoint into swallowing the unknown, condom-encased drugs Dom agreed to smuggle by a demanding young woman (Jena Malone) who wants them delivered to her dealer by any means possible. Eventually things become more nightmarish when they realize not only the results of what they've actually swallowed, but that the drug dealer they finally encounter (Mark Patton) turns out to be an emotionally disturbed, perverse old queen intent on preying on Benjamin. I've left quite a few details out here, but that's as far as I'll go in revealing any more of the film's plot in order to avoid spoilers.

Unlike another reviewer here, I'm not sure I agree that this film necessarily falls into anything that resembles Cronenberg's "body horror" category, but I'll agree it comes close. For a low-budget production, both Carter Stevens' script and direction are tight, suspenseful, and never become predictable. The film is also beautifully photographed. What did stand out the most for me were the calibre of the performances, which I felt were unusually powerful for an independent horror film. Both Koch and Colon (the latter who has apparently never been in a film before, at least according to IMDB) are excellent. Mark Patton is grotesquely effective and believable and as the mannered, psychopathic drug dealer. Jena Malone is also very strong, although I thought at times her character was drawn a little too one-dimensionally.

Like just about any horror film, I did think there were some weaknesses in "Swallowed." Despite a considerable buildup emphasizing how important it was for the characters to hide the drugs in order to travel past the border, the resulting border scene itself only consisted of a very brief conversation with a patrol officer and then it was over. The quick, painless conversation provided no suspense or explanation as to why the character needed to swallow the drugs in the first place, other than to advance the film's plot. Secondly, "Swallowed" (certainly emphasized by Mark Patton's very strong performance) once again portrays the tired stereotype of the older gay man preying on the younger. Lastly, there is a cheery and strangely pat "epilogue" that felt tacked on to the end credits. Not only did it seem somewhat jarring to the film's earlier tone, but it also seemed totally unfeasible. Again, giving more details would only reveal more of "Swallowed's plot.

These are small elements. "Swallowed" is worth seeing, especially compared to the anemic offerings we're being offered from the current horror genre. There's enough tension and suspense in this feature to make it worthwhile viewing.

... come out right? Well no pun intended here, but as the title suggests ... well if you only know the title, you may be in for quite the ride, like I was. Just the beginning was quite something - you get the feeling for our two main characters and what they are about.

Of course only as the movie progresses we get to see how deep their friendship goes ... almost literally and no pun intended. There are scenes here that are not easy to watch - even if they are not explicitly shown. On the other hand, this has quite a lot of male nudity in it. If you have issues with that - well you have been "warned" (I too am more fond of the female body, just saying).

On another note, the movie has Mark Patton in it. If you do not know him: he was in one of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies. And his character was quite prominent - also in how he changed perception in male leads. Not just for the time this was made.

He really goes all out with his character here. Even more fun when you have met him in real life and know what a sweetheart he is - the character he portrays is anything but. But that is acting - the slow burn on the other hand may not be everyones cup of tea ... suspend your disbelief and go with the flow ...

A strange sort of thriller. There were some clumsy directing choices, but overall a unique twisted story of bad choices and the tension of trying to cope with those horrific choices. Jenna Malone is always great to see in a film. Jose Colon also deserves credit for taking on a physically bold role. Most actors would shy away from such a role.

I am aware that is a vague review, but I do not want to add spoilers.

Recommended for 18+ only, as it does have some graphic full nudity and adult themes.

A few stars removed for the actor chosen for the third act scenes, some sloppy directing, and the ending that didn't really fit the dark story. In addition, it felt like there were some holes in the plot.

I was thinking this would be a really gross or a horrific body horror film and it wasn't anything that was really great. The body horror was barely there, it wasn't really scary. I would not call this horror. I kept waiting for something to happen, for it to get truly gruesome because I really felt from what people were saying that I would end up profoundly disturbed, but it never happened. Acting was good, I would call this a thriller but not horror, no way. It's a good story but it needed more to be considered a really disturbing body horror movie. I was thinking it might have some elements of Shivers or Rabid, but it never really went for it.