Compliance is the dramatisation of true events, over 70 cases in the last decade in fact, whereby supermarkets or fast-food chains across America would receive a phone call from somebody claiming to be the police. The officer would state that a member of staff stolen and requests that a strip search be carried out. In certain cases this was taken much further than a strip search.
Becky (Dreama Walker), is a young till-worker at a fast-food franchise called 'Chickwich'. Becky is called into the back by boss Sandra (Ann Dowd), and complies with the demands of Officer Daniels (Pat Healy), who is actually just a quiet family man living miles away. The events that follow are horrifying and, for the most part, believable, something which just adds to the terror on screen.
Craig Zobel (director and writer), delivers a film that is deeply shocking, highlighting the disgusting actions of a person so sick, so troubled, that they would sink to such petty pleasures. The mood of the film stays at such a low for a large portion of the film, yet, towards the end, looses its way as Zobel tries to keep the audience in a shocking grip.
Overall the casting and acting is very strong, with Dowd and Healy giving compelling performances. Dowd's portrayal of a manger just following the will of authority is at times heartbreaking. Her facial expressions scream uncomfortable, yet she always acts through her duty. Walker's performance is the only slight disappointment, as she gives the abused Becky too much strength.
A deeply shocking independent film, one that should not be missed.
J.Henderson.
7/10.
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