Kind of a cool script, the story involves fears that people may have and can’t seem to shed. In Phobias five of the most unusual frights are featured and make up the central antagonizing threats to this tale of horror that has a very dastardly remedy. If you like your horror shocking and sinister, then try this thriller on a dark night, but not home alone.
Johnny (Leonardo Nam) walks into a store to make a purchase and on his way out he’s approached by some street hoods who bully him with Chinese slurs. Taking off on his bicycle, a car slams into Johnny and when he falls to the ground the same hoods beat him up accusing him of taking American jobs.
A brilliant computer tech, Johnny gets hacked that same night by someone wanting to be his friend. Feeling helpless about all the violence going on around him, the voice tells Johnny that they can help him live among the challenges brought upon him. It’s the beginning a strange camaraderie that involves death and revenge. When the voice gets too personal however, Johnny finds himself fleeing from the new “friend”.
Directors Camillia Belle, Broderick Engelhard, Maritte Le Go, Joe Sill, Jess Varley, Chris von Hoffmann provide a lot of slice and dice that gets very gory. They also add some disturbing fiery images that should attract even the most diehard of horror fans. I like some of the surprise twists and the way they used flash backs when Dr. Wright performs his brain blasts.
Phobias has been rated R by the MPAA for violence including some disturbing material, language throughout and some sexual references. It opens in theaters, VOD and Digital on March 19. Due to the number of choices in horror on VOD these days, this little ditty may get lost in the shuffle, but if you want the big thrills from the film then see Phobias in a theater near you. Check your local listings for time and theater. My evaluation for general adult audiences is 3 out of 5 Stars and for gore fest fans my rating is off the charts.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Alexis Knapp, Charlotte McKinney, Lauren Miller Rogen, Hana Mae Lee, Leonardo Nam, Martina Garcia, Joey Luthman, Monique Coleman, Anthony Gonzalez, Macy Gray
Directed and written by: Camillia Belle, Broderick Engelhard, Maritte Le Go, Joe Sill, Jess Varley, Chris von Hoffmann
Genre: Horror Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for violence including some disturbing material, language throughout and some sexual references
Running Time: 1 hr. 25 min.
Opening Date: March 19, 2021
Distributed by: Vertical
Released in: Theaters, VOD, Digital
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
