‘Hypochondriac’ Director Addison Heimann On Making A Movie About His Mental Breakdown
Addison Heimann’s feature film debut Hypochondriac is a deeply personal one. It follows Will (Zach Villa), an artist in LA with a decent job and a great boyfriend. Things are going alright until his estranged mother gets in contact with him after years of silence. This causes Will to spiral and realize the things parents can pass down from us that we can’t escape.
The film’s story is based on Heimann’s own experience with his mental health during a dark period of his life. It’s queer horror at its finest, a reflection of what it means to try to exist in the world and run from your traumas. In my review of the film, I wrote:
Hypochondriac is a difficult watch, especially for those coping with parental trauma. But it’s also an incredibly important film that provides a much-needed look at the reality of mental illness and the ways we mask it to avoid being open about our feelings in fear of being judged.
We spoke with Heimann about Hypochondriac, what it’s like making a film based on a mental breakdown, and more.
Hypochondriac comes to select theaters on July 29 and to VOD on August 4.
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