Choke
Choke

Choke

2008Movie92 minEnglish

A sex-addicted con-man pays for his mother's hospital bills by playing on the sympathies of those who rescue him from choking to death.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users65%
Director: Clark GreggGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Victor Mancini is a self-professed scam artist who makes a living working in a historical reenactment theme park, where he pretends to choke on food and is then 'saved' by bystanders he's paid to be there. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a mysterious woman who seems to know him intimately and his estranged mother, the owner of the theme park, becomes gravely ill. As he navigates these complex relationships and his own identity, Victor must confront the truths he's been running from.

Critical Reception

Choke received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While Sam Rockwell's performance was widely praised, the film's quirky and sometimes jarring tone divided opinions. Some found it to be a darkly humorous and original adaptation, while others felt it was uneven and struggled to balance its dramatic and comedic elements effectively.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praises Sam Rockwell's charismatic and nuanced performance.
  • Acknowledges the film's unique dark humor and unconventional narrative.
  • Notes that the film's tone can be inconsistent and its plot sometimes convoluted.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a darkly comedic and thought-provoking experience, with many highlighting Sam Rockwell's standout performance. However, some viewers expressed that the plot could be confusing and the overall tone a bit too strange.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk, author of 'Fight Club'.

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