Jamie Rockwell (Katie Vincent) is a fairly average woman: She loves coffee, reading, and her dog. What sets her apart is her agoraphobia. Like many of those afflicted, Jamie can pull herself together for long enough to make trips to the store or the doctor. However, she loses this ability when her beloved dog goes missing after a visit from a careless maintenance man. Unable to escape from the panic bestowed by the situation, the young woman finds herself quite literally trapped in her own apartment and her own fears. She must press on as the only way to find her dog is to leave her home. Will Jamie’s love for her pet be enough to conquer her fear of that which lies outside of her control?
This short film is excellent. At only twenty minutes in length, Homebound is a masterclass in short form storytelling. We are given an instantaneous emotional connection with Jamie through the loss of her therapy dog which is then backed up by further exposition via memory. We are then shown her personal strength through her tenacity in the face of her fear. Homebound uses horror elements to portray the anxiety and panic of agoraphobia in a relatable way: The hallway outside her door becomes a vast and empty void and her own fears of going missing unfold before her until she regains her emotional grip. These intimate sequences show the triggers (and negative reinforcements) for Jamie’s agoraphobia alongside brilliant artistic interpretations of the emotions and sensations behind the disorder. We are also given a glimpse into the dangers of seeking treatment when Jamie’s therapist makes a move on her during an appointment.
The entire film comes together in a twenty minute snapshot of what it is like to be agoraphobic. Unlike many similar short films, Homebound presents a compelling and respectful story alongside stellar psychological horror themes. Consider this film highly if your patrons can’t get enough psych-horror or ask for stories about mental illness. Highly Recommended.
Where does this short film belong on public library shelves?
Homebound belongs next to psychological horror shorts.
What type of film programming would this short film fit in?
Homebound would be a useful teaching tool in a series studying mental illness and recovery. This film would also be a great addition to a series of horror shorts.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
$0