Radical therapy turns deadly when fears become fatal in John Huston's psychological thriller.
PHOBIA
What happens when your Psychiatrist goes out of his mind?
Psychiatrist Dr. Peter Ross (Glaser) M.D., is using radical techniques on his patients to cure them of their various phobias. He becomes terrified when someone starts murdering the subjects one at a time.
Quick Answer
Phobia is a 1980 Canadian drama, horror, and thriller film directed by John Huston about a psychiatrist whose radical treatment of patients' phobias leads to a series of violent deaths.
Programmer's Pick
John Huston directs with a clinical eye as therapy sessions become a literal matter of life and death—where your worst fears aren’t just in your head, they’re gunning for you. The Canuxploitation flavor adds a cold edge, and if you thought exposure therapy was safe, think again.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Why This Matters
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker John Huston and featuring a story by Ronald Shusett and Gary Sherman, this Canadian psychological horror thriller premiered at the Venice International Film Festival but was met with negative reviews and poor box office returns upon its Canadian release.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
Each patient meets their end through the very fear they’re trying to overcome, turning therapy into a high-stakes horror show.
Dr. Ross's cutting-edge treatment pushes patients to confront their phobias head-on, but the results are anything but therapeutic.
Canadian settings and sensibilities give the film a chilly, distinctive edge amidst the psychological terror.
Legendary director John Huston brings gravitas and a sharp eye to this psychological descent.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Radical exposure therapy
Patients' phobias manifesting lethally
Patients commit violent acts and die by their own fears
Psychiatric therapy sessions in Canada
Questions from the Vault
Who directed Phobia? +
Phobia was directed by John Huston.
How long is Phobia? +
Phobia has a runtime of 94 minutes.
What genre is Phobia? +
Phobia is a drama, horror, and thriller film.
Where can I watch Phobia? +
Phobia is available to stream on SassyFlix.
How are the patients' phobias turned against them? +
Each patient is driven to violent acts and ultimately dies in a manner directly related to their own specific phobia.
