Phobia on AllMovie

This harrowing psychological thriller chronicles the final hours of the crumbling marriage of Renate and David Simmons (Gosia Dobrowolska and Sean Scully respectively). After enduring nine years of mental anguish with her hard-drinking psychiatrist husband, Renate finally decides to leave him. The fact that she suffers from agoraphobia (an abnormal fear of public or open places) creates a major roadblock to her plan, as she has nowhere to go and is terrified of leaving the security of her home and of being on her own. Initially, David seems to encourage her freedom, but all too soon she becomes increasingly aware that David is playing dangerous psychological games with her and does not intend to let her leave without a fight. As the tension and suspense escalate, Renate begins to see how he has deliberately -- and sadistically -- manipulated her psyche over the years in order to hold on to her. Armed with this realization, she gains the strength she needs to break free, but not before a final terrifying confrontation with the now totally unhinged David. Though produced on a shoestring budget, this engrossing independent Australian film features a good script, solid direction from first-time director John Dingwall, and superior performances from Dobrowolska and Scully.