Hippopotamus directed by Edward A.Palmer is a minimalistic psychological thriller that could very easy be performed as a play.
It has a really unique premise, we're introduced to our main character Ruby played by Ingvild Deila as she wakes up in a sterile white room unable to move, when in walks her kidnapper played by Jonathon Cobb who informs her that she is not to leave until she has fallen in love with him.
Most kidnapping films are very straight forward,
they usually follow the same narrative, a person is taken captive and we witness the antagonist abuse them until the victim pays back blood for blood or escapes. They're usually nasty and exploitative but this film is anything but either of those things, its an intelligently made, isolated thriller.
Jonathon Cobb is polite and softly spoken, complex and endearing while having a sinister air about him as Tom. He appears to know every minute detail about Ruby and claims he has been following her for some time, perhaps all her life. Stating his intention that as soon she falls in love with him, she can leave, this aspect of the film alone is what sets it apart from others like it, it's completely original as Tom isn't interested in harming Ruby, he wants to force her to love him.
There is a lot about the plot that I'm not going to spoil because I really think you should watch it, It's great and deserves a much wider audience than I imagine it received.
Add comment
Comments