The entire concept behind “Compliance” seems so implausible that it should be a ridiculous idea to even discuss. Why the hell would this ever happen? HOW could this ever happen? But as the giant block letters right at the beginning of the film informs us, “Compliance” is “INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS”. I don’t really think the word “inspired” is the right way to go but the fact is that these sick and twisted things actually occurred around 70 times in 30 states. This sad reality makes “Compliance” a difficult and thought-provoking thriller that lingers in your mind long after you view it.
A faceless stranger (Pat Healy) calls a fast food restaurant and tells the store manager (Ann Dowd) that he is a police officer. To the shock of the manager, she is informed that one her employees has stolen some money. The young blond working the cash register. Becky? Sure, Becky.
He instructs the manager to take Becky (Dreama Walker) into a backroom, which she does without much hesitation. There he has the store manager (who is a middle aged woman, mind you) strip search the 19 year-old girl. No real protest from either the employee or the manager. The man on the phone is a cop, a figure of authority, so it must be the right thing to do.
But then words and actions veer deep into dark territory that leads to extreme sexual assault. The man on the phone is skillful manipulator and one of the interesting aspects of the film is analyzing how he gets these people to commit such atrocious acts. And how the young and- truly innocent girl- somehow allows it all to happen.
As you watch the sickness unfold and heighten, it was impossible for me not to personalize the situation. What would I do on either side of the situation? I would like to think that I would not stand for it and that my will is not that pliable but the fact is I don’t really know. “Compliance” takes this one event and uses it to take a bigger look at human nature. Obviously there is wiring in us that allows us to follow authority down nearly any path and that this willingness can be used for terrible things by the wrong people.
“Compliance” is skillfully told and it is easy to lose touch that nearly the entire film takes place in one location. The tension mounts to an unbearable peak and there are times when I felt like I was watching something too private, that I should not be turning my eyes. This is because the cast does an expert job and brings an unsettling dose of realism to the story.
Ann Dowd makes Sandra such a normal, lived-in character that you can’t help but relate. She is not a stupid person and doesn’t appear to have any deviant qualities. She is someone that could easily be your mother’s best friend who comes to dinner every so often and chugs too much wine. Down makes Sandra an unfortunate EveryWoman and is amazing in the nuanced role. Healy projects the right level of intelligence and authority to be more than believable while Walker is heartbreaking as young Becky.
While “Compliance” at first seems too atrocious to be real, it pales in comparison to historical examples as Adolph Hitler was able to turn an entire generation into murderers in the name of authority. This film is merely illustrating a terrible truth about ourselves. We can be manipulated and are capable of anything when in the wrong hands. Maybe our will is not our own. The film does not give the answers because I don’t think Writer/Director Craig Zobel dares to pretend to have them. The film’s tagline is the burning question and it is aimed directly at you, the viewer: How far would you go? Personally, I hope I never have to find out.
Special Features:
Behind the Scenes of Compliance
Interview with Director Craig Zobel
AXS TV: A Look at Compliance
Theatrical Trailers