The gruesome backwoods thriller “Swallowed,” written and directed by Carter Smith, was released on February 14 via Momentum Pictures.
The movie deals with a one-off drug run going bad, where two friends Benjamin (Cooper Koch) and Dom (Jose Colon) must survive a nightmare of ordeals which includes drugs, gestating bugs, and horrific intimacy.
Both actors have an affecting rapport and great chemistry together, as they explore the dynamics of their friendship and perhaps something even more.
The script by Carter Smith may be unconventional, but it is rich in character development (placing the main characters in challenging and awkward situations), and it works well because it fulfills the ensemble “cardinal rule,” where each cast member offers something unique to the movie, and they help elevate it to a higher, more emotional level.
It is a compelling coming-of-age LGBTQ story that is expertly shot, sequenced, and edited. Carter Smith throws in some wild curveball twists and turns for the audience that will certainly keep them engaged and guessing what will happen next.
Jena Malone (of “The Hunger Games” fame) is badass and convincing as the menacing and impulsive Alice, who works for her boss Rich.
Veteran actor Mark Patton (“A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge”) steals every scene he is in as the drug dealer Rich, and he delivers a controlled and creepy performance. His character knows that he can gain everything by doing nothing (especially when it comes to exploiting Benjamin).
Patton’s scenes opposite Cooper Koch were high-adrenaline and intense as Koch is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable. Benjamin may be fearful and apprehensive but at the same time, he is willing to do anything it takes to survive. Koch does a solid job showcasing the different facets of his complex character.
It has elements of “Maria Full of Grace” (starring Catalina Sandino Moreno) and “Bug” (starring Ashley Judd) meets Benjamin Bryant’s “Station to Station” coupled with the atmospherics of “Winter’s Bone.”
The Verdict
Overall, “Swallowed” is a bold and brave film by Carter Smith featuring resonant acting performances all around. Cooper Koch is a triumph as Benjamin while Jose Colon is a revelation as Dom.
In many ways, “Swallowed” is an allegory about drug trafficking and exploitation (bodily and sexual) in a capitalist society. It is highly recommended for fans of crime, mystery, drama, suspense, and action. It will make them uneasy and uncomfortable at times, and the tension is palpable. “Swallowed” garners a B+ rating.
