Review: Blood-splattered ‘Sun Choke’ never gets to the root of a young woman’s troubled mind

On the deck of a modern, airy home, a young brunette woman twists herself into eagle pose, balancing on one foot as a woman with a severe blonde bob exhorts her to focus. We slowly discern that this is part of a rigorous therapy program to curb the deviant behavior and violent sexual fantasies of Janie (Sarah Hagan), who, if given an inch, will take a blood-soaked mile.

Writer/director Ben Cresciman’s “Sun Choke” is a willfully obtuse film that gradually unravels the mystery of this odd, violent young woman, through her relationship with her caretaker, Irma (Barbara Crampton), a combination therapist, holistic teacher and prison warden. An early vision of a chaotic, bloody incident shows us what may lurk just below the surface of the house’s pristine white walls and Janie’s ice blue eyes; however, what has been or what possibly could be is all unclear.

With a highly stylized form, and thick, syrupy ribbons of blood splashing everywhere, “Sun Choke” evokes a creepy, eerie vibe, but it’s difficult to muster more than a passing interest in the story, because we don’t know who this girl is, or why she does these things. An 11th-hour reveal about her childhood is, unfortunately, too little too late.

“Sun Choke” takes after the root vegetable from which it borrows its title: edgy name, but ultimately pretty bland.

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‘Sun Choke’

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour 24 minutes

Playing: Arena Cinema, Hollywood