Watch Phobia

Phobia is a unique, character-driven television series that explores the depths of the human psyche. Produced by Open Sign Films, the show is a captivating blend of psychological thriller, horror and fantasy genres. It premiered in 2014 and quickly drew attention as an edgy, unconventional drama that is both mesmerizing and haunting.

The series centers around six individuals, each grappling with a deep-seated phobia that threatens to consume them. The phobias range from common fears like claustrophobia and arachnophobia to more unusual ones like trypanophobia (fear of needles) and mechanophobia (fear of machines). In each episode, we get to know one of the characters intimately as they confront their phobia head-on. Some of them seek professional help, while others try to confront their fears on their own. But as they delve deeper into their anxieties, they discover that their nightmares are not just figments of their imagination. There is something dark and sinister lurking behind their fears, something that threatens to destroy them.

At the same time, there is a larger narrative arc that ties the individual episodes together. There is a mysterious organization called the Phobia Foundation that is conducting experiments on people with phobias. Its leader, the enigmatic Dr. Kessler, seems to have a personal vendetta against each of the six protagonists. As the series progresses, we learn more about Dr. Kessler’s motivations and the true nature of the experiments.

Phobia is a visually stunning series with a distinct cinematic flair. The show’s production values are impressive, with each episode featuring stunning cinematography and art direction that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The phobia sequences are particularly impressive, with the use of special effects and sound design creating an intense, visceral experience. The series’ editing is also worth noting – it has a fluid, hypnotic quality that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.

The core strength of Phobia, however, lies in its characters. Each one of them is fully fleshed out, with distinct personalities and backstories. As they confront their fears, they also confront deeper issues that have been holding them back in life. For example, the character with agoraphobia is also dealing with a troubled marriage, while the character with automatonophobia has a traumatic childhood memory that is haunting him. As the characters grow and change over the course of the series, we become deeply invested in their journeys and root for them to overcome their phobias.

The performances in Phobia are uniformly excellent. The cast includes both established actors and newcomers, all of whom bring their A-game. Standouts include Wendy Glenn as the character with arachnophobia, who delivers a tour-de-force performance in her episode, and Aaron Stanford as the character with claustrophobia, whose quiet intensity is mesmerizing.

One potential drawback of Phobia is that it may not be for everyone. The show is definitely not for the faint of heart – some of the phobia sequences are quite intense and may trigger anxiety or panic attacks in viewers with phobias themselves. Additionally, the series can be slow-paced at times, with long stretches of quiet introspection. However, for viewers who appreciate a more meditative, character-driven approach to horror, Phobia is an absolute must-watch.

In conclusion, Phobia is a stunning, haunting series that defies easy categorization. It is both a psychological thriller and a character study, a horror show and a work of surreal fantasy. At its heart, however, it is a deeply human story about people struggling to overcome their fears and find a sense of peace. With its impressive production values, stellar cast and intricate storytelling, Phobia is a standout work of television that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Phobia is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (39 episodes). The series first aired on June 12, 2013.