"Swallow"

2019 * R * 1h 34m  This is one of those quiet, slow-moving, and haunting tales that are perfect for indie filmmakers. It features excellent cinematography, a well-crafted script, and outstanding acting, especially from the lead actor, Haley Bennett. 

Hunter (Bennett) is newly married. She's in a loveless marriage and is treated as nothing more than a trophy wife by her husband Richie (Austin Stowell). One day, as a bizarre experiment, she swallows a marble. This starts her on a path to consuming odder and at times, dangerous objects. When she announces that she's pregnant and it's discovered that she has this unusual eating disorder, her family seeks help for her. At first she's sent to a shrink, but eventually they hire full-time caretaker for her. His job is to never let her out of his sight. 

Eventually, when they decide to institutionalize her, she escapes. While on the road, she confronts what drove her to her compulsive behavior in the first place. I thought "Swallow" was a fascinating glimpse into the life of a disturbed woman that had me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. What a different movie indeed!

3 1/2 our of 5 stars

Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy Also on Hulu, AMC+, IFC Films Unlimited and to rent on Prime Video.