I've been interested in Haley Bennett lately. She feels like a mix between Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Williams. I didn't really notice her for a long time. I'd seen her in Thank You for Your Service and I think a couple other small roles that didn't really stand out. I did notice her in Kristy, which I think I watched last year, but it wasn't a great movie and I pretty much forgot about her. I'm not sure what put her back on my radar, but I came across her again and she's quite talented.
Swallow (2019)
This was a slow paced movie with a lot of artistic vibes, especially in the set design of the rich condo, and in Haley Bennett's look. She played a newly married wife to a rich business man (I didn't catch his exact job). With plenty of time on her hands, and a bit of an awkward personality, she got herself into trouble by picking up the peculiar habit of swallowing strange objects. When this eventually landed her in the hospital the rest of the family became deeply concerned. This was a subtle movie with a lot of attention to atmosphere. It focused on Bennett's character, her emotional turmoil and quiet observing demeanor. I loved the way this movie played with the strength of Bennett's character and the way that others viewed her as weak because of her quietness. The ending climaxed terrifically.
Lost in the White City (2014)
Haley Bennett played a supporting role to Thomas Dekker in this movie about young artists abroad who spend some time in Tel Aviv where they befriend Bob Morley's character. Dekker and Bennett had a bit of a love-hate relationship, and it wasn't clear if they were a couple or just friends with benefits, but it was a complex relationship made even more complicated by a love triangle with Morley. Bi-sexuality and homosexuality were present, and handled very realistically, but little was explicitly stated on the subject. A lot of movies make a big deal out of homosexuality like we're still being introduced to the idea for the first time. It was very refreshing to see a movie like this where it was just there, normal, and nothing needed to be said about it. Edit: I forgot to mention that the ending of this movie used a technique that always excites me. They zoomed in slowly on an object and cut to credits right before exactly what I knew was about to happen. It left me stewing in the impact of what was implied.
Kate Can't Swim (2017)
An interpersonal drama about two couples hanging out at a lodge, reconnecting old friendships and dealing with intense emotions and sexuality relating to life commitment. One thing that really stood out to me about this movie was the way it dealt with the freedom and complexity of sexuality without being cliche or preachy. This was just a random movie I came across. It was a technically solid movie, but it just didn't impact me enough to get a higher rating.