Originally published in Film Carnage, Sept. 19, 2023
Directed by Alyssa Rallo Bennett and written by Gary O. Bennett, Sloane, a young woman living in Texas, finds out she is pregnant and has to answer to her mother and her boyfriend. Starring: Mizz, Saori Goda and Sebastian Mora.
When Compulsion begins, its style is understated, there’s a subtle humour at work and a nice dose of awkwardness. Then as it moves forward, those feel like intentional choices to disarm audiences, to underscore the huge issues that it’s headed towards. It starts out by introducing viewers to the very relatable and traditional relationship between Sloane (Mizz) and her mother (Saori Goda). Their back and forth feels comfortingly familiar and they quickly create an authentic connection.
That initial moment already dips its toes into new abortion laws in the US with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, with Sloane’s options being limited and far away. Then as the story progresses, it moves into the concept of rape by deception, a topic still very much developing, especially legally, in regard to contraception and its role in consent. Then eventually it finds its way into the idea of control, manipulation and the long-term consequences of removing safe options for abortions. These are all extremely important issues in the US right now and it’s always great to see filmmakers providing a space for those conversations.
Goda in particular does a great job of portraying the protective nature of a mother, as well as the logical approach to the problem, and adds a very appropriate tinge of fear. Which is echoed by Mizz, who goes through a superb level of emotion in this performance, hitting the right notes in her evolution from calm to confused to concerned to enraged.
Compulsion opens up a vital conversation about the state of women’s health and rights in America right now. It may not have the space or time for a deep dive into the discussion, but it approaches it in a way that’s accessible and relatable. Especially in making it an experience between mother and daughter, Mizz and Saori God both give sympathetic and strong performances. Alyssa Rallo Bennett’s direction gives them the room to take the lead, playing things with a simple but thoughtful style.
Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10
Celebrating its World Premiere at Soho International Film Festival on September 20