PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Compression is a film that was personally recommended to me by Matthew Packman. Recently, I had an opportunity to review two of his films, Real Cool Time (read my review here) and The Ghost That Wouldn’t Die (read my review here), both are short film sequels to his feature film Morbid Colors (read our review here). It was after our interview (read it here) that he suggested Jakob Bilinski’s film Compression. I checked out the trailer and I knew immediately that Matthew was right, I needed to see this film.
Read on for my thoughts.
Synopsis:
Hazel (Emily Jean Durchholz) is an intense agoraphobe who runs a true crimepodcast about cases involving missing women. When her ill-planned staycation goesawry in the middle of a particularly rough drug trip that spawns nightmare fuel, she’sforced to face her fears, confront her trauma, and take the not-so-metaphorical stepstowards feeling alive again in this surreal horror-drama.
Compression was directed by Jakob Bilinski (Three Tears on Bloodstained Flesh, read our review here). He also wrote the screenplay with Peter Matsoukas. The film stars Emily Durchholz (Morbid Colors), Kevin Roach (The Ghost That Wouldn’t Die) and Michele Rose.
My Thoughts
This movie has stuck with me, in the best way possible. I had to sit with my thoughts after viewing this film. Actually, I am still thinking about it, and it’s been about a week since I’ve watched it for the second time because there is just so much to unpack. To start, this film is absolutely amazing. It is a perfect blend of drama, thriller and psychological horror. I am going to try and keep this spoiler free and I will say upfront, my review probably won’t do the film justice. This multi-award winning film is worth seeing.
This film is a surreal experience. If you are looking for something that is mostly blood and guts and quick satisfaction, you probably will be disappointed. So don’t go into this film expecting that. This film requires the viewer to be patient and appreciate the build up to the third act. It is going to take you to dark places and it is going to make you feel and think. I assure you, if you stick with it, it is absolutely worth it.
The film is carried by Emily Durchholz as Hazel Hendrix, an extremely popular true crime podcaster. Hazel is agoraphobic as a result of a traumatic event in her life, that is slowly revealed throughout this film. Hazel is a likeable character with many relatable qualities. Emily Durchholz, nailed this role and truly brought this character to life on screen. She decides to take some time off of work and since she is not leaving the house, she decides to have a different type of “get away”. She decides to toss an entire bag of hallucinogenic mushrooms on her pizza. We experience this “trip gone bad” right along with her. We experience all of her demons and we learn about trauma and how trauma can control your life, if you let it.
The story unfolds in perfect pacing. It isn’t rushed and it’s not too drawn out. We slowly learn about Hazel and “hows” and “whys” to her agoraphobic life. The film also portrays dealing with not only violent acts, but grief and loss and how that affects us and how dealing with that is such an overwhelming process. We sometimes build walls and boundaries to protect ourselves from further traumas. After awhile, we realize that we can’t continue to live our lives like that. We need eventually deal with those feelings and not let that hold us back from living life to the fullest.
This film is gorgeously shot. The colors are just stunning. The entire film is visually remarkable and the hallucinatory scenes, well they are extraordinary and truly creeped me out so much!
The score by CJ Johnson completes this film. Along with the characters, plot and the cinematography of this film, it comes together flawlessly.
I personally don’t have any complaints. My suggestion is to keep an open mind about this film. Don’t have any preconceived notions, and just watch it. It is not going to be blood and guts throughout. It is thought provoking film with lots of dark spots but oddly will leave you feeling hopeful at the end.
Final Thought
This is a character driven film that will make you feel all the feelings and the story will stick with you long after you finish watching. All of the talents come together for this special film and it shows in the finished project. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely give it a watch!
