Swallow is fundamentally a psychological thriller focusing on the main character’s personal struggles and trauma. While the lead is a woman and her oppression has feminist undertones, the story doesn’t seem to shove identity politics in your face outright. However, the narrative sometimes feels shaped to highlight modern themes over a more nuanced character study.

The film portrays marriage and traditional gender roles in a negative light, with family structure tending toward villainy or suffocation. There’s a clear critique of patriarchal dynamics, but it’s framed through personal trauma rather than generational condemnation. Still, some may see it as undermining traditional family respect.

Alternative or traditional views are mostly sidelined or painted as sources of oppression. The husband’s family is depicted flatly, lacking real nuance. Dissenting perspectives don’t get much air time, but the film doesn’t go all the way into overt cartoonish villainy either.