Compliance Review
Compliance is a very unnerving and disturbing film, and the fact that its based on true events only heighten the sense of dread. Its a film which will leave you shocked and distressed, its a film which will have you wanting to scream at the screen in frustration.
The plot, based on real events, mostly takes place in a fast food resteraunt (a McDonalds in real life but a Chickwich in the film), and revolves around a reported robbery performed by one of the employees on a customer. Its a narrative which asks questions about authority, the nature of a hierarchical structure and how far someone will take orders from someone they think is of a higher position than themselves. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot, but just know that it is very unnerving, distressing and frustrating all at the same time.
The film's cast is superb, and without it I don't think the film would have had such a big effect on me. The lead performance of Becky, played by Dreama Walker is brilliantly understated, and her downward spiral into complete and utter compliance is astonishing and brilliantly acted. Ann Dowd's performance as the manager of the restaurant is perhaps the most unnerving thing about the film, and she provides a final scene which digs deep into your brain and stays there for the rest of the day, the commentary about authority spoken through Ann Dowd's performance is engaging and by the end of the film will bring many questions to your mind.
The cinematography is gorgeous, and while most of the film is set in the fast food joint, its filmed in a way to make it feel like a prison. The juxtaposition between what's happening in the office with shots of trashy fast food, greasy chicken and dirty water is brilliant, and provides a wonderful sense of self awareness to the film.
I would recommend this film wholehartedly to anyone who is looking for a film that will horrify you, without being a horror film. Zobel has created a masterclass in suspense, Compliance is a truly shattering film based around engaging themes that anyone under employment can relate to, and has in my opinion produced one of the best films of the year so far.
9/10
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