CHOKE **** USA 2020 Dir: Gregory Hatanaka. 74 mins
The lines between reality and fiction, and good and bad blur when both a nihilistic detective and a serial killer’s affairs with a mysterious girl overlap.
Actor Shane Ryan who directed Amateur Porn Star Killer in 2006 returns here to his famous role of serial killer Brandon. Shane Ryan is certainly no stranger to playing a psycho killer, the intensity in which he portrays the character is both haunting and terrifying at the same time.
The film is cleverly executed in a unique way with (Sarah Brine) who narrates this dark tale and is also the star and victim in a choking scene that is fed to the viewer in assumed flash back scenes from the very start of the film.
Choke features stunning cinematography and great music that is suited to every scene throughout.
This film is a melancholic masterpiece, the manic way in which Brandon is portrayed by Shane Ryan really stands out in both the choking killing scenes and even more so when he feeds his Himalayan salt craving cowering over a salt lamp.
This film is about life and death and the craziness we experience in between, including sexual fantasies, perverted life experiences, abusive relationships which have made the characters act the way they do. The film builds nicely to a very climatic ending that is visually stunning.
I really enjoyed this indie horror drama directed by Gregory Hatanaka, it was something very different. Choke has a feel of its own, a very lucid dream like quality that haunts your inner depths of your psyche.
The film touches on many different dramatic parts including seeing serial killer Brandon fall in love and to see this side of a serial killer was very interesting.
All the acting in Choke was brilliant, Every actor brought there A game here. Shane Ryan gave the best performance I have ever seen from him committing 100% to this role throughout. Sarah Brine was also superb in the film and I can see her going on to do lots more films in the future.
Review by Tony Newton