Sun Choke

The sets are almost all white, from the walls to the furniture, and even the pale faces. Irma (Barbara Compton) is the caretaker/nurse, in charge of Janie (Sarah Hagen) who, while an adult, is almost child like and treated as such. She is made to respond to children's problem solving games. Irma is very strict, and keeps warning her if she misbehaves, her father will be very upset. But, of course, she never even talks to her father. But Irma is a master of putting a guilt trip on Janie. There is little as to why Janie is that way, and part way through the movie she may have been terribly assaulted at one time (in a flashback). While she acts like a child, she is given the chance to go out and drive alone, as long as she follows the rules. She starts to stalk a young woman, Savannah. Of course, she violates the rules, and she is punished. Even to the point of having a dog (shock) collar on. We find out later this with Irma has been going on for a very, very long time, since birth. It takes a very dark turn and takes time to build up to the real horror, and some may feel it is not worth the wait. Some compare it to Dogtooth, but there, more family members are confined to their home area, by a father who is also very manipulative. This is really confined to the inside of the home, with minimal exceptions, which don't register as opportunities with Janie, since she has been well trained to obey Irma. Strong performances.

Sun Choke is an unusual but solid film. It's not especially original but especially with the strong performances of the two leads it's different enough in presentation that it's not a boring watch.

So why am I writing a review? To express my bewilderment that there are multiple comparisons in other reviews to the Greek film Dogtooth. I had to stretch my brain to near breaking to realize, "Oh yes, there is one tiny aspect of similarity, but even that utterly marginal plot point falls under another few seconds of scrutiny." Anyone comparing these two films: A, hasn't seen Dogtooth; B, hasn't seen Sun Choke; C, saw both but was too busy shopping on Amazon Prime to notice what was happening during either film.

For what it's worth, I'm one of the sad minority who thought Dogtooth was not a masterpiece. Interesting premises, boring results. Maybe I'm just not intellectual enough. Of the two films, Sun Choke is the more fleshed-out and for most viewers will likely be the more enjoyable. Watch Dogtooth if you want a bunch of random ideas that are never really built into any kind of thesis, which I'm sure is more enjoyable if you're not interested in the writer's or director's opinions on their own themes. It's an utter Rorschach test of a film. While far from typical, Sun Choke is much more traditional in terms of plot (of which Dogtooth has almost none) and character development (of which Dogtooth is completely devoid)

For me at least, this film is a masterpiece of extreme character study and psych intrigue extracted from a very minimal budget, but parlayed into a brilliantly visual and emotional experience.

It would be redundant to replicate the detailed description that has been more than aptly articulated by previous reviewers, so I'll simply limit my commentary to a general sense of quality of experience, and in that context, this production deserves high marks.

Yes, some of the editing can seem to be a bit jagged, like a puzzle who's pieces snap into place at quasi random moments, but still leave enough holes to require a fair amount of contemplation for the viewer to complete the intended picture.

But that's part of the beauty of this production, in that it absolutely pulls you in, requiring an attention to detail without becoming a tedious exercise for comprehension.

Sarah Hagan matches her character as Janie perfectly. If anything, she makes the experience uniquely hers, as it would be difficult to imagine anyone else being able to capture the essence of Janie with such depth and precision.

The content itself is disturbing, make no doubt about that.

This film is certainly not for everyone. But for those who can appreciate this genre of story and character study, it's a superb expression of the artform.

This film cracks the puzzle of making a dreamy, surreal and non-chronological narrative engaging. In this regard it uses similar devices as Mulholland Drive and Repulsion - yet it is far from a simple clone. Most importantly it has convincing portrayals of the three significant protagonists (great acting by all 3) and a winning combination of setting and soundtrack. At a deeper level, it successfully conveys the twisted but coherent logic employed by the lead as she struggles to attain a sense of security. The audience is encouraged not to be sympathetic but cognisant of the thinking which leads Janie down her narrative path.

This movie was actually pretty incredible. It calls your attention using very little, leaving you to decide what's reality and what isn't. It's a successful movie - well and cryptically written, gorgeous and intimate cinematography, and a strange and daring story that is pretty hard to watch at times.

I definitely enjoyed what this movie brought, how it gives us enough to estimate who this protagonist is - I'm not going to give anything away, but really what this movie ends up being is an inside to someone's personal hell. It's sad, dark, and even terrifying. Really. It's terrifying, it's expressive, it's raw. Doesn't hold off - and nothing, to me in the least, feels contrived. It all happens for a reason, whether it's really happening or not. It has some really powerful images that stick with you after viewing, things that make you think and wonder.

I really recommend this film for indie lovers and for those who want to see something really dark and really psychological. The acting is great, and overall it's a beautiful and personal film about what this girl is going through and why. I ended up loving this film. See it for yourself. It's DEFINITELY not for everyone, with graphic nudity, violence, so on so forth, but it's all worth while. Great film that no one's heard of. Super intense, but has me thinking for a while after watching it - and planning another rewatch soon.