Choke, directed and written by Gregory Hatanaka, is a puzzling experiment in indie filmmaking that struggles to find its footing. The film attempts to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, following a nihilistic detective and a serial killer whose lives intersect through a mysterious young woman. At just 73 minutes, it’s brief, yet crams in an overwhelming number of montages, monologues, and seemingly symbolic scenes—many of which fail to resonate or clarify the story.
Visually, the film shows flashes of competence. For a low-budget production, the cinematography is acceptable, and the music fits the odd, disjointed tone. Some sequences are genuinely striking, particularly moments with Sarah Brine, whose performance is engaging and almost saves the film from total tedium. Unfortunately, Shane Ryan-Reid’s lead performance is weak and, at times, unintentionally distracting, dragging down much of the intended tension.
Narratively, Choke is challenging. The story is nonlinear and hard to categorize—part psychological thriller, part drama, part horror—without fully committing to any one genre. Scenes shift abruptly, leaving the audience uncertain whether what they’re witnessing is reality, fantasy, or the killer’s imagination. Dialogue frequently borders on cringe-worthy, and some injected “social messages” feel clumsy or out of place. The narration, first by the girl and then by the detective, becomes tiresome, and the ending offers little payoff, leaving viewers frustrated or confused.
Despite its flaws, there’s an experimental curiosity to Choke that deserves acknowledgment. Hatanaka clearly aimed for something unconventional, and moments of creativity peek through the chaotic structure. For fans of indie cinema who enjoy the avant-garde or films that play with perception, there’s something to appreciate here. For most viewers, however, it’s a confusing, uneven experience that doesn’t quite work, with only a few performances and technical elements rising above the otherwise muddled execution.
Overall, Choke is a brave but flawed indie film: visually competent and occasionally intriguing, yet weighed down by poor performances, a scattered plot, and a confusing mix of genres. It’s more an experimental curiosity than a satisfying cinematic experience.
Jessie Hobson