Phobias: Camilla Belle makes directorial debut with horror anthology segment

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Vertical Entertainment has picked up the North American distribution rights to the horror anthology Phobias, the plan being to give the film a theatrical release and digital platform rollout in March.

Radio Silence, the filmmaking team behind Ready or Not and the new Scream movie, executive produced Phobias alongside Mickey Gooch Jr., Victor Shapiro, and Andre Druskeit. Jess Varley produced the film with Eric B. Fleischman of Defiant Studios and Maurice Fadida of Kodiak Pictures.

Phobias consists of segments from five different directors, including Chris von Hoffmann (Drifter, Monster Party), Joe Sill (Stray), shorts directors Jess Varley and Maritte Go, and – making her directorial debut – actress Camilla Belle. The directors worked on the script with Broderick Engelhard.

The anthology follows 

five dangerous patients at a government testing facility, all suffering from extreme phobias. A crazed doctor attempts to weaponize these anxieties.

According to IMDb, the phobias covered are Ephebiphobia (fear of youth), Robophobia (fear of robots), Atelophobia (fear of not doing something right / of not being good enough), Vehophobia (fear of driving), and Hoplophobia (fear of guns).

The film stars Leonardo Nam, Hana Mae Lee, Alexis Knapp, Lauren Miller Rogen, Martina Garcia, and Macy Gray.

Vertical's co-president Rich Goldberg says Phobias is a "gripping anthology that captures fear in the utmost unsettling way". 

Fleischman had this to say about the project: 

The subject of fear and people controlling fear has never been more relevant. We're excited to bring this unique horror film to the world with such a diverse group of filmmakers."

Phobias sounds interesting me. We'll let you know the exact release date when Vertical announces it.