Compliance

Compliance

Year: 2012

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Craig Zobel

DramaThrillerCrime

In this gripping drama, an unlikely friendship is put to the test when a teenaged worker's integrity is called into question. As a well-intentioned manager caves in to pressure from a dubious authority figure, a chain of events unfolds that raises questions about accountability, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

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Timeline & Setting – Compliance (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Compliance (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film reflects contemporary social issues surrounding authority and compliance, though it does not specify a distinct time period. It captures a moment in modern American society where technology and misinformation collide, leading to exploitation and abuse of power.

Location

ChickWich fast-food restaurant

The movie predominantly takes place in a fast-food restaurant within the ChickWich chain. This establishment is known for its quick service and casual dining atmosphere. It becomes the setting for an intense psychological ordeal as the characters navigate the harrowing situation instigated by a deceptive telephone call.

🍔 Fast Food 🏢 Workplace

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:48

Main Characters – Compliance (2012)
Meet the key characters of Compliance (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sandra (played by Ann Dowd)

Sandra is the manager of the fast-food restaurant who finds herself in a position of responsibility yet succumbs to the pressures of authority. Her initial desire to maintain order turns into complicity as she wrestles with the difficult decisions imposed upon her. Ultimately, Sandra's character reflects the themes of compliance and the consequences faced by those in positions of authority.

👩‍💼 Manager 😰 Stress 😢 Regret

Becky (played by Dreama Walker)

Becky is a young employee who becomes the target of a sinister prank call. Despite her pleas of innocence, she is subjected to horrific humiliation. Becky's character serves as a conduit for the film's commentary on vulnerability and victimization under pressure, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of the ordeal.

🙍‍♀️ Victim 😢 Innocence 🚨 Vulnerability

Van (played by Bill Camp)

Van is Sandra's fiancé, who represents another layer of complicity when he is drawn into the unfolding crisis. His refusal to partake in the caller's demands reflects a moral stance, yet it also underscores the tensions within Sandra and Van's relationship as they navigate the fallout from the incident.

💍 Fiancé 🚫 Refusal 😔 Tension

Kevin (played by Pat Healy)

Kevin is another employee at the restaurant who initially refuses to obey the caller's demands, highlighting a moment of moral clarity amidst the chaos. His character's resistance provides a counterpoint to Sandra's compliance and poses the question of how individuals react differently to authority.

🙅‍♂️ Resistance 🤔 Morality 🏢 Coworker

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:48

Major Themes – Compliance (2012)
Explore the central themes of Compliance (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Authority

A major theme in 'Compliance' is the exploration of authority and obedience. The characters face moral dilemmas as they grapple with the coercive power exercised by the caller impersonating an officer. The film raises questions about how far individuals will go to comply with perceived authority, often leading to catastrophic consequences.

😱 Humiliation

The theme of humiliation runs deeply throughout the narrative, particularly as Becky undergoes increasingly degrading treatment under the guise of authority. Her experiences shed light on the vulnerability of individuals when faced with manipulative scenarios, forcing audiences to confront the discomfort of such exploitation.

📞 Deceit

Deceit is a critical theme that illustrates the power of manipulation through lies. The prank caller's ability to exploit the characters' trust and compliance leads to a disturbing series of events, demonstrating how easily people can be led astray and the serious ramifications of deceptive practices.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:48

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