Swallow was released in the UK by Second Sight as a Special Edition Blu-ray on 22nd November 2021. Special features:
New audio commentary by Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis and Producers Mollye Asher and Mynette Louie
A Personal Story: a new interview with Carlo Mirabella-Davis
Something Bubbling Underneath: a new interview with Mollye Asher
The Process: a new interview with Editor Joe Murphy
Metal and Glass: a new interview with Composer Nathan Halpern
A Room of One’s Own: Alexandra Heller-Nicholas on Swallow
Knife Point: a short film by Carlo Mirabella-Davis
English subtitles for the hearing impaired
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Haley Turnbull
Softcover book with an exclusive introduction by Carlo Mirabella-Davis and new essays by Anne Billson, Jordan Crucchiola and Ella Kemp
6 collectors’ art cards
‘Open up.’
Swallow is a 2019 American horror drama about a newly pregnant housewife, who finds herself compelled to consume dangerous objects. As her husband and his family tighten their control over her life, she must confront the dark secret behind her new obsession.
Written and directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis, the movie stars Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Denis O’Hare and Elizabeth Marvel.
Release:
Swallow was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 4th 2020 by Scream Factory in conjunction with IFC Midnight. The movie is already available On-Demand.
Reviews:
“As she searches for the man responsible for her condition, the entire movie shifts style and tone in a compelling way, and Bennett’s extraordinary performance moves from meek and mousy to righteous and powerful. It’s a perfect example of how films by and about women, especially when they’re able to take control of their own narratives, are not just culturally important, but riveting as well.” Crooked Marquee
“At its simplest level, Swallow is a reminder that no one should have to surrender their own happiness in order to be viewed as worthy of love. Intelligently nuanced, thick with metaphor, and visually lush, the masterful cast and crew have inspired Cryptic Rock to give Swallow 5 of 5 stars.” Cryptic Rock
“Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ stunning directorial debut is a devastating, yet powerful portrait of a young woman who is left feeling isolated by those around her who have very little understanding, and patience, for the mental health issues that she is struggling with […] An often gut-wrenching and compelling examination of how hard it can be to live up to the expectations of others…” Daily Dead
“Mirabella-Davis’ feature debut is impressive in all aspects of filmmaking. Swallow boasts gorgeous imagery to go along with its pensive, character-driven story. The obscure symbolism of sheep and the curious character, Luay (Laith Nakli), add some extra fat for us to chew on.” Film Pulse
“There are nice touches here: Hunter eating the pages of a self-help book is sharp and sly, and Bennett’s performance is both terrific and terrifyingly dedicated. But her striking physical resemblance to Jennifer Lawrence is emblematic of the overall lack of imagination when it comes to how women are depicted onscreen: women are only seen when we adhere to physical, emotional, and cultural constraints that are limited, narrow, and blinkered. Swallow isn’t scary; it’s shallow.” Flick Filosopher
“Austin Stowell is perfectly cast as the silver spoon neglectful husband while Laith Naki shines as the former Eastern European soldier turned Au-Pair. Look for Mirobella-Davis’ unique way of weaponizing texting as a tool to show overt indifference. It’s an important look at a common yet ignored aspect of society where women in this predicament often are not helped or supported.” Flick Hunter
” …Swallow is very much a film for the art-house audience, by which I mean don’t come in expecting Cronenbergian levels of body horror or Haley’s condition developing during the course of the film to alarming excess (unless you consider eating earth excessive). The design of Hunter’s house is superbly cold and sterile and the performances are all carefully nuanced, with Haley Bennett in particular outstanding.” House of Mortal Cinema
” …veteran character actor Denis O’Hare makes a pivotal appearance, and the resulting scene between he and Bennett is extraordinary. In the space of five or so minutes, Mirabella-Davis manages to bring all of the various themes he’s been exploring throughout Swallow to shockingly haunting culmination, all of which makes his insightful drama nothing less than unforgettable.” Moviefreak
“In the grander scheme of feminist horror, Swallow subverts easy analysis and expectations. It is a far cry from the “rah-rah” feminist empowerment stories that end in blood-soaked revenge, as it explores the more intimate horror of being a woman and the delicate battles required to dig yourself out of hell.” RogerEbert.com
“The film is bound to be divisive. This unflinching genre-bender is both beautiful to look at and difficult to watch, and though it puts both Hunter and viewers through the wringer, the experience is well worth going through.” The Scariest Things
” …there is a nice balance of human drama, feminist manifesto, and horror. Resembling a fledgling Michelle Williams, Bennett takes the construct of the film and makes it a living breathing animal. She is in nearly every scene, and undergoes several character transitions and complex reveals until confronting her own family and past.” Screen Anarchy
YouTube reviews:
Filming locations:
New York, New York
Technical details:
1 hour 34 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.39: 1
Audio: Dolby 5.1
Trailer:
Clip:
