The New Film 'Cherophobe' Discusses Mental Health Issues With Humor And Heart

Certain subjects are considered taboo. Darker elements of the human experience concerning death, abuse, and mental health are often hidden away, whispered about or hinted at, and discouraged from being discussed openly. The great irony is that by maintaining silence about such topics, their damaging effects are allowed to continue unchecked.

Suicide is one such taboo subject. A quick Google search reveals that suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide, and while the actual reasons for self-termination are many, nuanced, and complex, mental health issues such as depression can and often do play a significant factor in the choice anyone makes to end their own life.
Cherophobe (literally Latin for ‘fear of love’) is a new film, currently available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/C274RD_hvIQ?si=AT5y-QOApe9NBIZU), and soon-to-be arriving on streaming platforms, that examines such weighty issues as suicide, mental health, heartbreak, and the purpose of existence, with engaging dialogue and a sly sense of humor.

The story is simple: on a rainy evening, a forlorn man (referred to as ‘The Writer’ in the credits, and played to perfection by Sam Crichton), sits alone in his apartment, eating trashy take-out and watching old cartoons. Overwhelmed by feelings of isolation and despairing the recent breakup with his girlfriend (Rebekka Irene Skjæveland), The Writer puts a pistol in his mouth and readies himself for The End. Before he can pull the trigger, however, the man’s suicidal intent is literally interrupted by a Voice (the unseen but ever-present Alistair Mackey) that audibly questions The Writer’s impending self-destructive act. Perturbed by The Voice’s presence, and fearing he’s finally lost his last shred of sanity, The Writer engages his invisible benefactor in conversation, reluctantly revealing the root causes that led him to such an alienated state. But is The Writer, as he initially believes, hearing the voice of God, or is it actually some part of his own subconscious trying to talk him out of making the worst decision of his life?

Clocking in at a mere 57 minutes, Cherophobe clips by at a brisk pace for a movie with only one principal player, a single location and complete lack of action. Director Leo X. Robertson does a superb job of retaining the audience’s attention, setting up the scenario with an appropriately minimalist flair well-suited for the film’s bleak tone, and Crichton’s performance successfully turns what could’ve been an overly glum role into something earnest, relatable, and awkwardly charming. The real star of the movie, however, is screenwriter Bo Chappell’s script; by turns intimate, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly funny (references to The Matrix and Darkwing Duckelicit many a knowing, nostalgic grin), there’s also a deep-seated poignancy in the conversational banter that speaks to anyone who’s faced the challenges of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Such fiercely internalized emotions are not easily captured in a visual medium like film, but coupled with Crichton’s able skill, the central stance of Chappell’s life-affirming narrative becomes clear: everyone matters.

While some may find the subject matter too heavy or close for comfort, Cherophobe proves that, far from being taboo, mental health issues are a topic we as a society should feel free to talk about. Only through education, discussion, and discourse can we overturn stigmas and undo stereotypes that have kept too many from reaching out for the help that may very well save their life.

I give Cherophobe a 4 (Out of 5) on my Fang Scale.