Backdrop preview Swept Under backdrop
Swept Under

Swept Under (2022)

Jun 04, 2022 10m Horror History War

After receiving a housewarming rug from his sister, a Cambodian adoptee discovers a dark history hidden underneath its surface.

Directed by Ethan Soo

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ethan Soo
Writer
  • Ethan Soo
Producer
  • Ruhi Mansey

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/History/War film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Swept Under presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Ethan Soo 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2022, 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 Swept Under took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 10 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 34 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 2039 individual shots.
  • The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Swept Under shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Beyond Borders, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Swept Under subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Electronic Control System of the C-1 Auto Pilot Part 1: Basic Electricity as Applied to Electronic Control System and First They Killed My Father explore similar territory, Swept Under stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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.