Sun Choke (2015)
Staci Layne Wilson
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Starring Sarah Hagan, Barbara Crampton, Sara Malakul Lane, William Nicol, Evan Jones
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman
Janie (Hagan) is a shut-in. The poor girl has been suffering from a smattering of psychological setbacks throughout her young life, and she can hardly cope. But thanks to the loving, patient ministrations of her caring and loyal live-in therapist, Irma (Crampton), Janie is making small steps toward making her way out into the world. It’s just a peek outside at first; then some yoga on the veranda. A short drive on the side-streets is a reward for her progress.
Janie just might be becoming a member of polite society when… she sees a girl who reminds her so much of herself, she becomes obsessed. She wheedles her way into the unsuspecting Savannah’s life (Lane), which sets off a chain of events that unravel all of Irma’s diligent healing therapy.
Or was it meant to heal at all…? Did Irma place Janie onto a path of self-destruction (not to mention the gory destruction of others) as some sort of sick psychological experiment? That’s for me to know and you to find out – and I do suggest you take the time to see how Sun Choke plays out. It is a slow burn, but once it catches fire, it’s ablaze.
Sun Choke is not an easy movie to pigeonhole. While there is madness, murder, and mayhem, it’s more in the psychological vein than full-on Maniac-style slasher. It’s reminiscent of creepy-girl indies like Excision or Julia, but it’s dreamier than those – and, as a consequence, a bit boring at times. Fortunately, the beautiful cinematography by Matthew Rudenberg and some cool, arty editing by Jason Jones keep the picture moving even while the narrative stays still.
This flick is definitely worth a peek for fans of the beautiful Barbara Crampton, who seems to be making a comeback of late, and deservedly so.
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Film
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