Stockholm Syndrome

Brain Damage Films

R1 DVD

The Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological condition which evolves in kidnap victims who develop sympathy and even emotional attachment to their kidnappers. It was named after a bank robbery in Stockholm where in 1973 where victims, after six days in captivity, refused to testify against their captors. One of the more publicized cases was that of Patty Hearst who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army and during her captivity seemed to convert to their political ideology and participate in robberies and attacks.

Stockholm Syndrome is a low budget film exploring issues relating to slavery and extreme violence. It is certainly going to confront most people who watch it and the scenes of cruelty are graphic. While the budget of the film certainly limits the effectiveness of some of the scenes, that could be perhaps a blessing in disguise considering what is shown. Scenes range from a pregnant woman being kicked in the stomach for five minutes to induce an abortion, a baby being cut up and slaughtered, a priest torturing and killing a young girl and lots more.

The plot takes place in an isolated and sleepy rural region where an underground organization is in operation. People are being kidnapped, beaten and tortured beyond comprehension. But that is just the beginning, they are “conditioned” (hence the title of the film) to follow the instructions of their leaders and then sold to the highest bidder. The story follows a young man and his very pregnant wife who check in to a run-down motel, at the same time one of the members of the organisation is questioning his allegiance; soon all three will have to face the truly brutal nature of the enemy they are up against.

Director Ryan Cavalline is an indie filmmaker who works hard to hone his craft on a very limited budget. His films are a matter of taste and certainly have strong violence and gore. Stockholm Syndrome has moved strongly into the “torture porn” genre and achieves what it sets out to do. The acting, special effects and cinematography are on par with what one expects from an indie film, though the plot does challenge in its sheer ferocity. While some of Cavalline’s earlier films were marked by a dark humour, this is an “in your face” exploration of the darkest side of the human animal and will be of interest to those willing to be confronted and challenged.

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This review will appear in Volume 3 No.1 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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