Compliance (2012)

About Compliance

Compliance is a chilling 2012 drama film directed and written by Craig Zobel. It is based on a series of incidents known as the 'strip-search phone-call scams' that took place in the United States. The story revolves around a fast-food restaurant manager who, guided over a phone call by a prankster posing as a police officer, detains a young employee accusing her of stealing. As the prank call prolongs, the situation intensifies leading to horrifying consequences. The film stands as a stark commentary on human obedience to authority.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Sophia Lin, Lisa Muskat, Tyler Davidson, Theo Sena, and Craig Zobel. Zobel's objective was to explore why good people often do bad things without questioning. Boldly unsettling, Compliance is directed in a way that invites the audience to contemplate how they might behave in similar circumstances.

Actors

• Ann Dowd portrays Sandra, the well-meaning but easily manipulated manager. Dowd delves deeper into Sandra’s character, portraying her complicity and confusion masterfully.
• Dreama Walker stars as Becky, the young employee unjustly accused. Walker portrays the innocence and vulnerability of Becky convincingly.
• Pat Healy gives life to Officer Daniels, the prank caller, showcasing a chilling performance of villainy by exploiting weaknesses over the phone.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on actual events that happened over 70 times in 30 U.S. states.
• During the Sundance Film Festival, the film caused some viewers to leave mid-screening due to its intense nature.

Awards

Compliance left its mark at several film festivals. Ann Dowd won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film.

Quotes

• “Just do it, or you can leave.” – Sandra
• “I did something really bad.” – Becky
• “We all make mistakes, right?” – Officer Daniels

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack consists of one track titled "Compliance Theme" composed by Heather McIntosh, who masterfully used the music to build suspense and induce emotion in this distressing narrative.