I'll have to admit that I find myself hesitant to describe writer/director Cody Clarke's latest film My Submission a found footage film, one of several genres assigned to this unique, modestly experimental, fiercely engaging, and memorable effort starring Allison Sonson as Marissa Peterson in what damn near counts as a one-woman show. 

Clarke has always been a captivating filmmaker, a guy who gets a vision and figures out how to bring that vision to life. In My Submission, we meet up with Marissa, a young woman and wannabe actress who's submitting an audition video when we first meet her and for every moment thereafter. Therein is the catch, My Submission plays out like the improvised ramblings of a young actress who's likely experienced one too many rejections along the way. 

My Submission isn't improvised. In fact, it's fully scripted yet vividly brought to life by the inspired, somewhat disturbing performance by Sonson. Marissa's first audition tape is flubbed when she realizes she didn't follow the specific instructions provided. So, she makes another. Similar story. Then another. Similar story. 

And so on. 

Without risking giving too much away, My Submission is a narratively delirious work of wonder in which Marissa latches on to the idea of submitting a feature-length film's worth of audition tapes with each tape vacillating somewhere between naughty and nice, just plain weird and achingly vulnerable and so much more. 

I dare not give the journey aware. The journey simply must be experienced. As usual, Clarke's script is inspired. That said, this is undeniably Sonson's film. Her performance, while much less sexual, reminded me of Joanna Arnow in The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed, an Independent Spirit nominee from 2025 that tickled my fancy. Again, My Submission is differently themed yet carries a similar spirit that feels almost too vulnerable and utterly hypnotic. Sonson absolutely soars with this material, simultaneously simmering and swaggering with hints of sensuality and more than a little off-kilter. It's a blast to watch and it's a blast to experience where Clarke's script takes us. 

It's likely safe to say that My Submission isn't a film for everyone, though those who embrace are really going to embrace it. Amidst a career making bold, thoughtful cinema, it's hard to express what a unique joy one experiences with My Submission. 

Clarke's lensing for the film is observational and in-your-face, though that in-your-face quality is strangely relaxed and natural. That could be because Sonson is simply so good at bringing this dialogue to life that you can't help but feel like Marissa's talking and you damn well better listen. 

In short, My Submission is yet another inspired, beautifully realized film from Cody Clarke and an announcement of sorts for the remarkably impressive Allison Sonson as someone to be watched. Closely. Uncomfortably so. Hilariously so. Jarringly so. Just watched. 

After its theatrical release in NYC on January 14, 2026, My Submission is absolutely one to watch.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic