I do not think that I have been as disturbed for a long time as I was when watching this film. It is definitely cringe worthy. I work as a manager but cannot believe that something like this could really happen. The film is based on a series of incidents that happened in the USA where a man would call the manager of a fast food restaurant and claim to be a police officer who has evidence that one of the restaurant's staff has stolen money from a customer. That is about as much information as you need to know because it gets quite disturbing from there. Writer/director Craig Zobel has made an incredibly tense film that really puts you on the edge of your seat as you see someone so easily manipulated. I will say that the situation does stretch credibility a bit. The manager, Sandra, is asked to do some pretty strange things but just seems to trust this 'man' on the end of the phone. She does not investigate if he is telling the truth or verify his story. I know there are probably very guidable people out there who would fall for a prank like this but it is still very troubling. Then there is the victim in all this, Becky. How she can let herself be humiliated like this is also very strange in itself.
Craig has cast hid film well with actors who look like ordinary people. Ann Dowd gives a very convincing performance as Sandra. She feels like a real person who is under a huge amount of pressure and gets caught up in a difficult situation. On the other end of the scale we have Dreama Walker as the poor Becky who is fully exposed. Dreama gives a very brave performance and must be commended. Pat Healy is suitably creepy as the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
I would encourage you all to see this film but it will upset many people. Despite the subject matter is it an excellent thriller that really makes for tense viewing.
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