Review of Compliance (2012) by Matt S — 12 Jan 2013

Based on a true story comes across the screen in big bold letters in the opening credits. After the film was over, I am still baffled that the opening statement is true, though apparently they had about 70 cases similar to this one. It's shocking and scary to think that a crazed, prank caller can take so much control over someone's moral thinking. The prank caller pretended to be an authority figure, in this case working for the police and pushed these poor people to strip search this innocent victim. He brainwashed them into thinking what they were doing was the right thing, but then he took it to a disturbing new level. When most people, if you had a brain would stop and hang up, they kept going and cooperating. It's a chilling story, but a very infuriating watch, an unforgettable one at that.

The acting was solid and felt so raw, most notably from Ann Dowd, who plays Sandra, a fast food restaurant manager. She plays the part so effectively well that it might as well be a documentary. Dreamer Walker plays Becky, a young employee that gets caught in this web of twisted lies and trials that lead to assault. She gives a brave and earnest performance, depicting the shocking crime that took place at her work, where most people think to be safe. Pat Healy plays the part of the inquisitive prank caller, who goes by Officer Daniels. He gives an engrossing, tense performance and puts fear into answering an unknown number and even more chilling that it happened at somewhere you could be working at. The devastating royal prank call that ended with a nurse taking her own life. Brainwashing is a scary reality, it happened with The Salem Witch Trails, Adolf Hitler taking control over citizens and too many more cases.

Director, Craig Zobel shows restraint and attention to mood and detail as filmmaker. He builds the uncomfortable suspense to the very end, leaving you baffled with people's actions and makes you think what yourself would do in that situation. A pretty hard-hitting second film from an upcoming director.

Overall, the story is shocking and frustrating, the performances were effective, but it's not a film that you will enjoy watching or urge people to watch. The story itself though will linger long after the closing credits, asking how such a thing could happen?