Ryan Shoots First: Phobias
Phobias is a unique horror action thriller that takes place over multiple different stories telling one larger plot. Phobias reminded me of some episodes of Black Mirror, specifically “The Black Museum”.
The film starts with who I suppose is the closest thing we have to a main protagonist, Johnny played by Leonardo Nam. He is mistreated and beat up in the city where he is just trying to make ends meet and take care of his ailing father. Through a Matrix-esque encounter he meets some powerful new friends but they ultimately land him in the clutches of a secret testing facility where patients are faced with encountering their greatest fears to generate a new type of fuel. Yes, imagine the big money that would be available in this twisted Monsters Inc for adults world where something like fear could be bottled and sold for energy. Imagine powering your Tesla with someone else’s fear of spiders!
I will save you the explanation of what each phobia means as it slowly reveals itself through each short installment and I do not want to rob the film of it. The individual stories all feature different directors which gives the film a fresh new feel and story every 15-20 minutes or so. Even with this, the overall thread that stitches all these parts together is well done. The suspense and intrigue is enough to keep you guessing and entertained. I am not the biggest horror guy so it is possible the more hardcore horror nuts will find the film slightly lacking. It is more than enough for me to wet my appetite and keep me invested. The score may be the best attribute of the film as it features unnerving strings mixed with synthetic beats and a cyber punk style. It plays well with the imagery and unstable nature of the film.
As for the actors, since the film is split up no one is giving a significant amount of time to really carry the film but Nam is likely the one with the most screen time. He anchors the film and plays the trampled on nerd who’s been pushed too far well. One of the highlights is Macy Gray in her role. At first I thought her section was the weakest of the lot but towards the end she really turned it around and worked her odd style into the story.
Phobias plays like an extended episode of Black Mirror so if that is your thing I think you will be pleased but if you are coming for a spooky horror fest you will likely leave disappointed. I am not sure if the fear of disappointment is a phobia but I have to assume at this point it is on the list somewhere. Found it…it’s Atychiphobia.
Phobias will be available on VOD in the US on March 19, 2021.
