The reviews are in: Aimee Lou Wood's latest project, the tender rom-com TV show Film Club, has us all reaching for the hankies!
The show follows Aimee's character Evie as she navigates agoraphobia following a “wobble” six months previously. Back living in her mother Suz's (Suranne Jones) home in Manchester, Evie holds a regular film club in the garage, which sees her don costumes reflecting the movie of the week, as a form of escapism.
Evie has a doting boyfriend called Josh (Adam Long), but she's equally besotted with her friend Noa (played by Nabhaan Rizwaan). When Noa tells her he's moving to Bristol, emotional tumult ensues.
And not only does Aimee get to flex the acting chops she has developed in shows like Toxic Town, Sex Education, and The White Lotus, but she also demonstrates her writing abilities!
The show was actually co-created and co-written by Aimee and Ralph Davies, who plays Dominic in the show, and it has already received glowing write-ups from critics as well as audiences who see themselves reflected in Evie's story.
So, what is agoraphobia, the condition Evie lives with? And how accurately is it portrayed in the show? We spoke to a representative from Anxiety UK, a charity for those affected by anxiety and anxiety disorders, to find out more.
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What is agoraphobia?
Film Club deals extensively with the experience of living with agoraphobia, but how do experts define the condition?
As per the NHS, there is a common misunderstanding when it comes to agoraphobia.
"Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong," the NHS website states.
"Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition."
Someone with the condition may be afraid of travelling on public transport, visiting a busy place like a shopping centre, or leaving their home.
In these instances, individuals with agoraphobia may experience panic attack symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, feeling sick, rapid breathing, and feeling hot or sweaty.
How does Film Club depict agoraphobia?
Film Club explores its lead character Evie's experiences of mental health difficulties, in particular, agoraphobia.
Aimee has spoken extensively about this aspect of her character's journey, and how she co-exists with her mental illness.
"At the start of the series, Evie can’t leave the house – she finds that too overwhelming. But what I love is that she creates worlds within this very restrictive space she exists in, both for herself but also for other people. She expands her loved one's horizons from inside that garage - this tiny space can be a parallel world for everyone where they can be silly and free," explained Aimee.
Overall, the series promotes a message of resilience and understanding. "In many ways, she’s at her most limited because of the mental state she finds herself in, but she also never stops being herself. Lots of people go through times in their life where they aren’t very well and it’s very important to remember that you are still in there somewhere, even if the circumstances you find yourself in are very scary. Evie doesn’t realise at the start that everything she needs she has within her."
Clearly, Film Club was created with great intentions, and a good deal of love - but how realistic is its depiction of agoraphobia? We spoke to a representative from Anxiety UK to learn more.
Agoraphobia doesn't necessarily develop in response to a traumatic event
In Film Club, it's suggested that Evie's struggles with agoraphobia are linked to a mental health event she experienced six months prior.
However, it's important to remember that agoraphobia doesn't always stem from one specific event. "Agoraphobia can develop following a traumatic event but also can be a long-term mental health condition," Anxiety UK explains.
It's also important to remember that, for some people, the onset of agoraphobia can be more gradual. "It typically manifests after the onset of panic attacks where the centre of focus becomes fear of fear with thoughts such as ‘what if I start to feel panicky when I go to x, y z’ – essentially a process of generalisation sets in where the body’s threat system looks out for situations that are similar to the one where the individual first experienced panic – with the response to this being avoidance."
A solid support network is important when navigating life with agoraphobia
Film Club shows Evie as being deeply loved and supported by her family, including her mother and sister, boyfriend Josh, and close friend Noa.
As the Anxiety UK representative notes, agoraphobia can be an isolating condition, and support from family and friends, as well as medical professionals, can be important.
"Agoraphobia can be a truly isolating condition to live with and one that is often poorly understood by the general public," they say.
"[Individuals benefit from] having a network of support and people around you that understand and who can gently support you to move, without judgement (at your pace) beyond the agoraphobic comfort zone, as well as of course, enlisting the support of a professional, such as a CBT therapist and your GP."
Agoraphobia manifests in varying levels of severity
When the series begins, Evie is struggling to leave her mother's home, with her mum noting that she has difficulty venturing beyond the bins outside her house. But it's important to note that not all individuals with the condition have the same levels of comfort.
"Agoraphobia, just like any other anxiety disorder, can present on a spectrum of severity. At the very severe end, those affected may not even be able to move outside of a safe room, whilst others may find that they can travel some distance within their psychological safety zone," says Anxiety UK.
People with agoraphobia still want love and connection
Importantly, Film Club places an individual navigating agoraphobia within a set of plot lines that include love and friendship.
This contrasts sharply to some individuals' perception of people with agoraphobia as distant and withdrawn. "People typically perceive those with agoraphobia as being aloof, disconnected and withdrawn from society," says Anxiety UK.
"This is often far from reality in that people with agoraphobia do often have networks of friends and will engage in activities online."
Where to get help if you are impacted by agoraphobia
If you are impacted by symptoms of agoraphobia, or want to learn more about the condition, you can consult Anxiety UK's free workbook.
If anxiety or any form of mental health condition is impacting your day-to-day life, contact your GP to make an appointment to discuss further help and support.
Film Club is available now on BBC Three.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
