Sun Choke

Sun Choke is a psychological thriller of 2015, directed and written by Ben Cresciman. This American horror film features Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, and Barbara Crampton in the lead roles. Mysterious, intense, and visually captivating, Sun Choke pulls the audience deep into a spiral of madness, obsession, and paranoia in the most artful manner. It's a unique cinematic experience that seamlessly blends different elements of horror, drama, and thriller, creating an atmosphere rife with tension and dread.

Sarah Hagan delivers a powerhouse performance as Janie, the protagonist caught in the grip of debilitating mental illness. Rendered by a mental breakdown, she lives an almost catatonic existence under the strict and protective regime crafted by Irma, played by Barbara Crampton. Irma, a still elegant, older woman with a dedicated, almost loving commitment to Janie's recovery, uses a mix of meditation, physical therapy, bizarre holistic treatments, and a restricted, rigid diet to heal Janie. Hagan and Crampton show a strong on-screen chemistry that propels the narrative with friction and intrigue.

As the film progresses, we begin to see Janie slowly start to regain her strength and vitality. The story takes a new twist when Irma gives her some supervised freedom to the outside world for the first time, under the condition that she returns home when the sun chokes the light from the day. During these moments of solitude, Janie encounters Savannah, portrayed by Sara Malakul Lane. Savannah represents everything Janie yearns for: freedom, normalcy, and the ability to blend seamlessly with the world that has shunned her for so long.

There's excitement, but also danger in their encounters. Janie becomes obsessed with Savannah, stalking her daily–an obsession that grows with time and leads Janie down a dark and terrifying path. It poses an important question: As Janie continues spiralling, what happens to the tenuous control Irma has over her life and mind?

Continuous and gradual skillful unwrapping of the characters’ layers and intricacies, combined with an unnerving atmosphere of uncertainty, keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. Cresciman does a fabulous job of keeping the viewers guessing about the true nature of the relationships and the reality of the characters' actions. It allows us to experience Janie's psychic state, as we are also puzzled, intrigued, and provoked by the unfolding narrative.

What's interesting about Sun Choke is its empathetic approach. Janie's indecipherable mind weaves a tantalizingly elusive tale that's psychologically befuddling and emotionally challenging. As Janie battles her internal demons, the narrative constantly shifts between serene calm and horrifying madness, beautifully reflecting her turbulent psychological journey.

Production values in Sun Choke are top-notch. Be it the carefully composed shots, the stark cinematography reflecting the tone of the storyline, the lighting that effectively depicts the chilling twists, the sound design meticulously amplifying the terror, or the arresting performances, the film has been put together with a keen sense of style and craftsmanship. Cresciman's directorial vision succeeds spectacularly in creating an eerie world where reality and insanity are blurred, and tranquillity and terror intermingle seamlessly.

Even though the film is a psychological horror, it’s not a horror film in the typical sense. It is shrouded in surrealism and ambiguity. Its uniqueness lies in exploring themes of containment, liberation, obsession, and the disturbing effect these can have on an unstable mind. With a climax that's as enigmatic as the build-up, the film doesn't offer easy answers. Instead, Cresciman asks us to delve into murky psychological waters, consider the fragility of sanity, and experience the haunting ordeal of his characters.

Sun Choke is a compelling watch for those who enjoy unconventional, psychological cinema that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres. With its intense performances, subtle story-telling technique, and a foreboding visual style, Sun Choke guarantees an uncanny cinematic journey that delves into the darkest corners of obsession and madness.