Hypochondriac, the feature debut of writer-director Addison Heimann, depicts the isolation that comes with mental illness by immersing us in the life of a troubled individual and the tragic events that lead up to it. The Film is based on the filmmaker’s actual experiences, but its plot and characters are made up. For the first time,  ‘Hypochondriac’ was shown at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, in March 2022.

Will (Zac Villa), a little kid almost killed by his mother, is the film’s focus. After 18 years, he enjoys everyday life until he receives deliveries and phone calls from his mother. This also happens to be the time when he begins to see visions of someone dressed in a wolf costume. He sees many doctors in an effort to receive a diagnosis, which gives the movie its title. Although his physical health is unchanged, Will thinks he is following in his mother’s footsteps.

The film’s storyline is reasonably straightforward, but the film’s frequently harrowing imagery will leave an impression. The film’s intense depictions of suicide and its exploration of mental health issues, including dissociation and trauma, might be distressing for some viewers.

Naturalistic acting and compelling character assessments give a relevant emotional background for the terrible vision and blood splatters to be seen. Zach Villa’s portrayal of Will is filled with a range of nuanced emotions that are captivating in every way. Madeline Zima, who has a minor supporting part, is shown here delivering a pitch-perfect performance as a character with a wealth of layered complexities. Paget Brewster has been Will’s therapist since he was a toddler, helping him deal with his mother’s sickness. Actor Michael Cassidy plays Chaz, a satirical nurse practitioner in the film. The writer/director Addison Heimann seems to have potential as a storyteller who can create engaging characters.

With a queer touch brought into the mix, Hypochondriac is a well-founded contribution to the mental disorders horror subgenre. It turns to the disturbing, unpleasant character of everyday existence, which is its ultimate horror. In addition to violent gore and scream-inducing jump scares, the film has hallucinogenic dose and explicit sex. There are no happy-ever-afters or suspension of disbelief in the film’s climax. The film has a conclusion that some viewers may find unsatisfying, but it portrays realistically how mental illness continues to affect individuals throughout their whole lives.