Watch Compliance

Compliance is a psychological thriller that was released in 2012. Directed by Craig Zobel, the film stars Ann Dowd as Sandra, a fast-food restaurant manager who receives a call from a man identifying himself as a police officer. The man, whose voice seems to be authoritative and confident, tells Sandra that an employee named Becky (Dreama Walker) has stolen money from a customer's purse. He demands that Sandra detain Becky in a back room and perform a strip search to find the stolen money. At first, Sandra is hesitant to comply with the caller's instructions, but the man insists that he has the authority to force her to do so. Sandra fears losing her job and the repercussions of not obeying the officer's commands, and so she begins to act on his instructions. As more employees become involved in the bizarre and harrowing chain of events, the situation spirals out of control. The film explores themes of authority, obedience, and the human psyche in extreme situations. It is based on true events that occurred at a Kentucky McDonald's in 2004. Compliance has been praised for its raw portrayal of an unsettling situation, as well as its critique of the psychological mechanisms that allow people to submit to authority without questioning its legitimacy. The film's central performances are gripping, with Ann Dowd as Sandra carrying the weight of the story on her shoulders. Her character is conflicted, trying to balance her sense of duty with her own moral compass, and gradually becomes more involved in the escalating abuse of Becky. Dreama Walker delivers a heart-wrenching performance as the young employee who is subjected to the humiliating and traumatizing strip search. Pat Healy also deserves mention for his portrayal of the unnamed caller who orchestrates the events of the film. Healy's voice is insinuating and persuasive as he manipulates Sandra into following his instructions. Although his character is never seen on screen, his presence is palpable through the telephone lines. The film's cinematography is intimate and claustrophobic, taking place almost entirely within the confines of the fast-food restaurant. The camera focuses on the characters' faces, allowing the audience to see every nuance of emotion as the situation unfolds. The film's score is minimalistic, heightening the tension and unease of the story without overwhelming the action. Compliance is not an easy film to watch, and it has been criticized for its graphic depiction of abuse and humiliation. However, it is a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche and the dangers of blindly following authority. It is a cautionary tale that calls into question the power dynamics of our society and the morality of obedience.