Cast
View All
Lily Baldwin
as Sam / Parasite Dancer
Michael Dempsey
as Carlson
Samuel John Damon
as Sam And Carlson’s Baby
Gabby Weintraub
as Sam And Carlson’s Baby
Katharine Padulo
as Venture Woman
Jeff Bowers
as BBQ Guest
Jena Brook
as BBQ Guest
Barbara Brown
as BBQ Guest
Brian Brown
as BBQ Guest
Henry Chesley
as BBQ Guest
Mario Correo
as BBQ Guest
Elyssa Crimeni
as BBQ Guest
Cassius Brook Dempsey
as BBQ Guest
Jake Dombrow
as BBQ Guest
Kayla Dombrow
as BBQ Guest
Crew
Director
- Lily Baldwin
Producer
- Andrew Houchens
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Music film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Swallowed presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lily Baldwin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Swallowed took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 17 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 65 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 133 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 33 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Swallowed shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Paris, which focuses more on action than character development, Swallowed subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Campus Sleuth and Step Up Revolution: Hip-Hop Cardio Burn explore similar territory, Swallowed stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
