HomeBound - Award Winning Short Film | 2022 Agoraphobia Short Thriller Film | Usher Morgan

HomeBound - A 2022 Award Winning Short Film film by Usher Morgan
tinyurl.com/58...
Written and Directed by Usher Morgan
Starring Katie Vincent, Sebastian Arcelus, Blake & Bently.
Producers: Usher Morgan, Katie Vincent
About this 2022 Award-Winning Short Film:
Agoraphobia: "extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult."
​HomeBound is the story of Jamie Rockwell (Katie Vincent), a woman burdened by severe agoraphobia. After losing her therapy dog, she must muster the courage within, not only to find her dog, but ultimately, to find herself.
The Indie Shorts Mag’s Hall of Fame
www.indieshort...
What the Critics are Saying about this award winning short film:
"Executed expertly through precise direction and a fantastic lead performance" ~ UK Film Review
"Harrowingly gut-wrenching" ~ One Film Fan
Statement from Writer, Director, Producer Usher Morgan:
I wrote this script (pre-COVID) to shed new light on a paralyzing condition that burdens over 4 million American souls. I was inspired by the trials and tribulations, and ultimately the perseverance, of a close friend who suffered from (and overcame) a severe case of agoraphobia. Telling this story from the inside out felt important, and presenting the film in a visual style that allows the audience to experience the debilitating nature of this condition felt like a challenge I needed to undertake.
I didn’t realize, of course, that only weeks after production would wrap, the entire country (and the world) would find itself grappling with a similar fate: a fear of the unknown and a distrust of life beyond one’s own front door.
The experience as a whole impacted everyone involved, the responsibility was huge, and the need to be authentic was weighing on every creative spirit on set. It was imperative to treat this film with the respect that the subject, and ultimately, that the human condition deserves. The team, myself included, came out the other end of this with a heightened level of compassion and admiration for every human fighting battles that no one but themselves can necessarily see.
I am extremely proud of this film, and this has certainly been a stand-out experience for me as a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a human being.
Usher Morgan
Writer, Director, Producer
www.ushermorgan.com

[@rozsheehy6146]

I've had agoraphobia since 2008. My heart was in my throat the whole time I was watching this!!! I kind of just had to get used to it. If I have a doctors appointment, I HAVE to take valium so I can go. And it's still hard even then. I thank God for my husband, who understands and does everything he can to help. I honestly don't think I could handle life without him. I don't know how people who are alone deal with it.

[@lifeishard74]

This was absolutely brilliant, and the main actress really portrayed her role so unbelievably well. She was amazing and I couldn't get over the fact that I was actually watching someone acting because she played her role showing so much fear, pain, suffocation, loneliness, trapped etc. (all of the feelings and emotions you go through when you suffer from agoraphobia). She was unbelievable and she actually brought tears to my eyes because I felt so badly for her as well as missing her dog so much. As the last few minutes were left, I said "please end this with her finding her dog, because not knowing would have made me sad." This film should have won awards for the way it was filmed showing exactly what a person goes through on a daily basis with this debilitating mental illness. Thank you so much for uploading, I enjoyed your work immensely! 👍👌💯🔝

[@rozsheehy6146]

I have agoraphobia and I'd give this video 100 thumbs up if I could.

[@kat-lx7ef]

Brilliantly well done. I'm not agoraphobic but have massive anxiety, I felt the fear in this. She played it really well. Very well shot too.. Thanks for this film!

[@xbrandi12345x]

Agoraphobia sucks. Anyone that has struggled with it knows it makes some things so hard. I feel like it would be harder for me if I lived in an apartment as opposed to a house, you never know who will be in the hallway and that would cause me more anxiety.

[@ambersykora352]

The thing about the dog though or any pet for that matter, is completely right. It truly does help especially with depression. Gives you a reason to live similar as if you had a kid.

[@maekyla_]

When my live-in bf left me after 2 years when i was 21 i started drinking heavily/using heroin more often and lost my job. i had been dealing with social and general anxiety for quite a few years at this point and my substance use exasperated it. I didn't need to leave the house for much and i started becoming agoraphobic to the point of not being able to go down to the street (lived downtown above a boutique) to smoke my cigarettes. I had a friend (who didnt realize he was enabling me, Making it worse) bring me alcohol and cigs from the store because leaving paralyzed me. Using fueled my anxiety+agoraphobia and vise versa. It was one of the darkest times of my life and i almost didn't make it out alive. I could feel her pain and fear through the screen, and felt so familiar. This is a beautifully shot film....visceral and simple, fueled by the emotions that devour you when you are in this situation. Thanks for sharing this, it's difficult to really explain it to someone who has never been there but this is great way to show anyone who wants to understand better.

[@DeidreL9]

I’ve had agoraphobia for thirty years. Thank God I’m getting better but it’s a constant struggle. Everyone reading this with it, you will get through this, I send you all strength and love.

[@princesskileyrae]

This is wildly relatable as a person with PTSD/agoraphobia & a Service Dog. We're staying at a farm & lily garden, so I don't have to leave the house really & help out indoors a lot. I sometimes step a couple feet outside to feed the chickens kitchen scraps when I'm cooking or to re-water the mean geese when their little pools freeze... but anything beyond that is hard. I let my dog out one night around 2am recently because he "asked." He's an elderly guardian breed who never wanders off or goes too far & has about a 100% recall, so I never have to worry. It was about 20°F & I did some dishes then let my dog back in. Awhile later, I couldn't find my dog anywhere. I distinctly remembered letting him back inside, but he's a 110lb dog and can't just - disappear inside a house. I walked around looking for him & called him but he never came. My mind convinced me that I must have not let him back in because that is the only logical explanation. He has to be outside. It's safe here. It's isolated, but the owners' family lives nearby. I was having a panic attack the whole time putting my clothes on & many layers because I'm so thin, hoping my dog would just come back. I ended up walking around the entire lily garden & several acres looking for him & calling multiple over a couple hours. Around 530am, the owner woke up & left their bedroom, & my dog trotted over to me & leaned into me. The only way that must have happened was their door was left slightly opened, then he had gone into their bedroom, & the door must have been closed unknowingly. I know he heard me calling him for hours, there's no way he didn't, but I think he was too polite to bark in a bedroom with people late at night or something to alert me to his presence. He knew I was traumatized when he was "freed." It was just a simple accident but I was in panic mode for a couple hours. I don't know why it didn't occur to me that he could have gotten into that bedroom, but that's the one place I knew he "couldn't" be & was. It felt like this movie. I still don't walk the garden or anything, but I know the layout now from thinking my dog was out there somewhere hurt because he wasn't returning. It's so much harder than people think. I'm really glad he was safe inside even though I wasn't for a time...

[@ladystyx674]

This was absolutely beautiful and I see why it won the award, the feeling this involved in me was stunning, having lost my cat almost a year ago (he passed) I can say that cat was the best thing that ever happened to me and I miss him so much, I'm glad she found her dog and got over her fear! RIP blackjack, mommy loves you 💚

[@stevenrf69]

What happened 2 him?

[@ladystyx674]

He had a tumor in his mouth the upper part, the treatment involved would have been too much for him to handle, he eventually stopped eating and I'm guessing he had a fever too cuz he passed in the basement of my bfs uncle's house on the tile floor in the half bathroom guess it was cooler for him, had him for 16/17 yrs

[@stevenrf69]

@@ladystyx674 o por thing, so sorry

[@raymondlin8728]

I'm trying to figure out if I have agoraphobia or I'm a homebody or both. I used to be active in the outdoors, work 2 jobs at a time, motorsports, now I barely go out, rather watch tv, nap all day.

[@jz3278]

Depression

[@directedbyxanderjones8329]

Great writing. Great directing. Great editing. Great acting. Great camera work. Great concept. Great Everything!!!

[@gickygackers]

It was all really lame honestly. Nobody will talk about this film, simply because it's not good

[@Beanie1984]

Love this. Have had Agoraphobia for over 17 years now.

[@mariecait]

I’m on disability for this. It’s a living hell but I’m determined to recover.

[@charlenemack7040]

Caitlin, I’ll say a few prayers for you! I believe in the power of prayer… It’s the only thing that keeps me centered, and on planet earth. 🙏🙏🙏 🌎 🌈🦋

[@charlenemack7040]

Please remember to take baby steps… Every day in every way you can get just a little bit better than the day before! 👍👌🤟 👏👏👏👏👏

[@binkyfaith]

Were you diagnosed thru your physician and how long until you were approved for disability

[@DocBree13]

❤

[@alzgustapresents]

Well thought out. Stark and raw, an authentic portrayal that strikes a nerve!

[@auberjean6873]

@DarkPassageFilms I could feel her terror! The acting, the music, the anticipation of fear. Trying to let go of the elevator wall--those details! This movie gave me a real insight into the challenges an aquaintance of mine faces. Well Done!👏👍

[@mynameisdisappointed4347]

THANK YOU for providing an ending ❣️

[@kovuthe1334]

Quick question? How did she get to her therapist’s house BEFORE she had the dog!? 🤔

[@EboniFlowers]

Right!

[@xChaosReignsx]

That dog is SO CUTE tho

[@katijaybird]

I actually held my breath in certain parts of the film. I couldn’t imagine that kind of fear. What’s the song she plays on her phone?

[@usher_morgan]

"Burn" by Astyria

[@katijaybird]

@@usher_morgan I actually found that one! 😊 I meant the retro synth song she listens to before she tries to leave her apartment.

[@johnnycash5858]

@@katijaybird Yukadans by Ayyuka, according to Shazam. Hope that helps.

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

I AM GOING TO HAVE TO RESEARCH THIS CONDITION AND HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN TO SOMEONE. MY FEAR IS CROWDED PLACES WHATEVER THATS CALLED . MORE THAN 10 I AM OUT OF THERE

[@seaofflowers.]

why are you screaming?

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

@@seaofflowers. I JUST USE ALL CAPS TO BE UNIQUE

[@raymondlin8728]

Thank u for the cap lock some people don't like looking for and using reading glasses. These caps make it easier to read. Thank u

[@Kinloo_Kills]

Did you come across anything that you could use more clarity on or any questions you couldn't find answers for?

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

@@Kinloo_Kills NO BUT WHAT IS THE FEAR OF CROWDS

[@licensedprofessional4742]

Drats, I forgot the milk! 😂

[@FizzyFezzy]

I suffer from agoraphobia. It truly is a living hell

[@binkyfaith]

Same here

[@DocBree13]

❤

[@VM-wt3ti]

I need a list of all the songs in this so good!

[@colevilleproductions]

wow. those opening shots, something about the audio and cinematography made me feel _super_ uncomfortable (in a good way). very well done.

[@colevilleproductions]

also that's a very very cute dog.

[@slawssson9447]

i am incredibly impressed honestly

[@Ellfyyyyy]

I'm balling my eyes rn.

[@Ellfyyyyy]

please tell me she finds her baby 😢 I use to believe I had agoraphobia, bit I just think I've got extreme social anxiety. I'm so uncomfortable leaving the house and going places, that if I'm around other people, I'll sometimes plan time in advance on how I'll handle certain things. If that makes any sense, I'm a bit better now, but I still always think of the worst, hope for the best

[@lunacielo5705]

I have identified myself as leper emotionally.. Irresponsive.. I didnt react anymore despite the hurt and damage..

[@DocBree13]

What a fantastic actress!

[@njdevfan20]

How true to life.

[@bettilopez4327]

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@mindsigh4]

i'm not afraid of agoras

[@cooper7031]

The dog is adorable but she looks like a weirdo version of Jaklyn Abader of Kissimmee and Lake Mary, FL!

[@VM-wt3ti]

Please what is the music that starts at around 10:02? It’s so mesmerizing I need it 🙏🏼

[@jmbi2964]

I really thought that was Trisha 😭

[@avid9530]

I had affair with my therapist. He was 40 years older than me.

[@pigtailsandteddybears]

If you don't mind me asking, are you doing okay now days?

[@Kinloo_Kills]

I'm so sorry that someone in a position of trust put you through that. I hope that you are now in a happy and positive place. I'm here if you want to talk.

[@BigfootAnon]

Wowza

[@michaelcole8999]

Wait, Meg White left The White Stripes because she lost her dog?

[@5ftpho]

i might have this.

[@zenairzulu1378]

The struggle is real

[@AJoVee]

The woman in the thumbnail in the water looks like Trisha Paytas

[@nicolebogda1482]

To the creator? 💯💯💯💙💜♾️💜😂

[@andipatel5044]

No CC

[@usher_morgan]

Uploaded. Thanks!

[@williambotner2317]

Nice

[@balancius8381]

How does she pay for here rent?

[@Psalm-yg6yi]

That girl got a Demon. 😉

[@deadassdgaf100]

???

[@-Darko-]

Was she bathing in milk??

[@deadassdgaf100]

that's wtf i said! 👀👀👀

[@__knull6554]

T-t-t-t-Todaaaay j-j-jr!

[@deadassdgaf100]

WHY is no one talking about this creep of a doc?? THAT was the only interesting (though deplorable) asoect of this entire thing! and WHAT F'N awards did this win, anyway? Biggest Waste of Watch Time Award? Best Hyperventilating Cringely Award? Raspberry? absolute garbage. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@seaofflowers.]

Anyone ever notice how people that can afford to be agoraphobic always have nice homes? Unless homeless sufferers of agoraphobia are just ignored.

[@madhavchr]

“afford to be agoraphobic”? Your comment implies people with this condition are choosing it. Wtf. What does the state of their homes have to do with their mental illness?

[@maksdoulton4713]

Well, in the case of the homeless agoraphobic, the rest of you get to HEAR thier screaming and/or so sobbing.

[@PridelessChickz]

Jesus Christ can cure anything. My testimony: After being an atheist for 8+ years, and "married" to another female, I got the urge one day to say out loud "IF there is an Almighty God that does NOT wish us pain or sorrow, please bring me truth, I wish to know you exist". Then God immediately started bringing me the answers I had been searching 8-11 YEARS for! I witnessed Him take control of my internet and the rest of my reality; He first proved to me that demons exist (I called them "inter-dimensional beings"), then He proved His own existence, which I later found to be Jesus Christ. As soon as I found Jesus at the end of 2020, He IMMEDIATELY took away my transgenderism, bisexuality, depression, daily suicide attempts, self harm, bulimia and anorexia; and He did this all without me asking Him to, because THAT'S how merciful and loving He is! Praise God!

[@vickicali]

@PridelessChickz Queer people are not demons.

[@andysplants]

*religious mania*

[@dillonparish33]

girl you’re not religious you’re fanatical LMAOOO

[@jz3278]

Why’s he giving babies congenital heart defects? Why’s he let children get SA under the hands of his preachers? Sounds like he sucks at his job lol

[@Kinloo_Kills]

I'm really sorry that you have gone through this and have been brainwashed into believing that being anything but straight is something that needs to be "cured". I really hope that you are able to find people who will love you for you and will help you learn to love who you really are. Please don't keep commenting this on videos about mental health disorders. There is enough stigma and shame for all of us who suffer with them. I don't doubt that God and religion has 100% had a positive impact on some people's mental health but I also know, just like your story, religion and the idea of God can also have a VERY negative impact on people. It does this when people use God as a way to constantly spew hate, judgment, and fear to anyone they can get their hands on. I sincerely hope you are able to fine true happiness, love, and self-compassion one day.

[@mularouge22]

Omg that crying is soooooooo cringey

[@user-ti2ph6qb1y]

Great trailer, but I really did think that the thumbnail was Trisha Paytas and thought “no way she’s doing horror”

[@shadominx3696]

You need your eyes checked. This isn’t a trailer, it’s a short film. No trailer is 20 minutes long. And the actress looks NOTHING like that creature lol

[@deadassdgaf100]

​@@shadominx3696what you said!

[@George-le6tc]

👌 'Promo SM'!!

[@RinZenz]

Not scary at all.

[@user-bz8pq5fw7q]

Why wear makeup if u don't leave house

[@thebargoblin3226]

weird comment

[@Kinloo_Kills]

People don't need to wear makeup to impress others. Many people choose to wear makeup for themselves and because they enjoy it. Edit- typo

[@deadassdgaf100]

​@@thebargoblin3226weird TO YOU... it's actually a based thought. to never leave home AND she lives alone.... the question makes sense to me. if it's so weird of a comment, then please offer a rational answer to the question.⏳.... we'll wait.

[@deadassdgaf100]

​@@Kinloo_Killswhy do ppl in comments sections regard any type of edits as if the commenter (editor) is somehow wrong or their comment can be dismissal solely due to having an edit. typos happen all the time....THIS is what the edit feature is for. something was simply typed incorrectly. it doesn't, by default, prove the view expressed within the comment are wrong. no one should ever have to add a "edit-typo" disclaimer within their comment. if anything, typos should automatically be the 1st assumption. however, I'd argue they shouldn't be relevant to the comment whatsoever but 🤷🏻‍♀️ I've had this happen several times when someone's disagreed with me, using "i see you edited your comment, so" to dismiss my point. i saw that reply & had the 🤨 face from reading it. i was like, yeah.....and? do they teach this fallacious reasoning / ignorance in schools these days or ppl just this dumb on their own? genuinely asking, as it makes ZERO sense why editing my typo would be a relevant observation & any indication that i was "wrong". nothing within my comment changed besides 2 letters. someone....make it make sense!

[@littlewhiterabbit202]

Is it just me or does anybody else see somebody with anxiety like this and just get angry? This movie just looks like it would piss me off for the entire run time

[@vvviiixxx8745]

Maybe work on developing empathy and understanding towards people who suffer from great anxiety, as it typically stems from trauma. If you’re angry about that, then you’re missing the bigger picture.

[@seaofflowers.]

It's not just you. Plus it's always people with nice homes or their parents paying for their livelihood who seem to suffer from agoraphobia most. Seems like a "people with money" mental illness.

[@pigtailsandteddybears]

@@seaofflowers. Fuck. That was raw and painful. I'm in that situation but never saw it that way till now. (My comment isn't meant to be rude in ANY manner, btw. It's just a hard realization to come across.)

[@pigtailsandteddybears]

@@vvviiixxx8745 Very beautiful comment, v. People like me appreciate your kind more than you could ever know. Please don't change.❤

[@littlewhiterabbit202]

@@seaofflowers. that’s for sure, most of their anxiety is almost over something dumb most people have to do on the regular in their life or something most people will have to face at some point, but it seems to “break them down” or what ever, sounds like bullshit to me.