Face Your Fears in ‘Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia’ (2017)

We all have fears that we carry with us on a daily basis, some more prominent and gripping than others. A lot of us are able to tuck them away and coexist with other people at work, at school, and at home. But what about the fears we can’t hide? The fears that are so gripping that they keep us from even leaving the house? In the 2017 comedy drama, Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia, we find out just how far reaching those fears can be.

Director/writer Alex D’Lerma (Alvarez & Cruz 2003) is an absolute genius when it comes to selecting dynamic actors/actresses and providing them with a platform on which to thrive. In this case, the result is an immensely enjoyable, dramatic thrill ride that is over way too soon. Newcomers to the big screen, Dustin Coffey (2 Broke Girls) and Linda Burzynski (Shameless TV series), deliver emotionally captivating lead performances and drew me right in to D’Lerma’s world of drama and fear. The film also stars Tank Girl’s Lori Petty, Doug Haley (The Babysitter 2017), and Mark Adair-Rios (Courage Under Fire 1995).

Coffey plays Chet, a 28 year old man living with his mother and crippled by his agoraphobia (the fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment). When it’s time for them to move out of their house, Chet isn’t quite ready to move yet. After a brief argument, his mother decides he can stay, but he has to take over payment of the rent. However, his agoraphobia doesn’t allow him to handle basic tasks that require him to leave the house like shopping or going to the bank. Thus begins his search for a roommate who’s willing to run his errands.

Maggie (Burzynski) is an ex-Marine with 2 tours in Iraq under her belt and enough emotional issues to drink an entire motorcycle club under the table. And drink she does! She drowns her sorrows daily at a bar owned by her good friend Frances, played by Lori Petty. Frances is the only person who puts up with her alcoholism and aggressive personality. Maggie eventually comes across Chet’s “Roommate Wanted” ad and, after a crazy turn of events, he selects her.

Final Thoughts

I got a lot more than I bargained for with Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia I especially appreciated the transformations of the two leads, and how D’Lerma was able to capitalize on their growth  throughout the film. At first glance, Chet and Maggie are complete polar opposites. Chet is fearful and paranoid, while Maggie is tough-as-nails and emotionally guarded. It sounds like a pair headed straight for the dumps, but everything isn’t always as it seems. In fact, they soon realize that the keys to their individual salvation lie within each other…