Swallow

THE GIST: Hunter loves her husband Richie, even though he's quite controlling and demanding. His parents are worse still, and her new pregnancy only increases her feelings of isolation and powerlessness. One day, a sudden urge compels her to swallow a small object, in spite of the dangers. Soon, she finds herself unable—and unwilling—to stop.

Swallow is a mystery that unfolds quietly around its protagonist, whose actions become more and more disturbing and hard to look at. Still, you can't look away.

Haley Bennett (whose resemblance to Jennifer Lawrence is unsettling) carries the movie on her shoulders and does an excellent job. Her face-off against the great Denis O'Hare is simply fantastic—and thoroughly suspenseful.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A really good drama that might be a bit hard to swallow (no pun intended) for some viewers. Definitely recommended, especially since the condition really does exist. I can't imagine having such urges that put your very life at constant risk.

Grade: 7.5