***Slight Spoiler***
I don't understand the negative review. I guess some people might see Frozen with Fear as a basic chick flick, but it's actually a deep film that examines the complexities of marriage, trust, love, and mental illness. I thought agoraphobia was portrayed with both sensitivity and accuracy. This was also my first time watching Bo Derek. I knew she was famous for the iconic beach scene from the movie 10, sporting cornrows (huh, cultural appropriation, much? That's a whole other issue - not gonna go into it here). I'm often skeptical of models turned actors, but I really have to say, her performance in this film was quite brilliant and powerful. Her character, Katherine Sullivan, has been terrified to leave her house for the last few years. She has a beautiful home, with an indoor pool and sauna, so she's definitely living in the lap of luxury (I mean, if I had to be stuck in a house, that's the one I would choose). But her life is very depressing and lonely, even more so that her husband is having affairs, which she has awareness of. Her feeling of security is shattered when she witnesses his murder.
There is some predictability to the storyline. Detective Jack Mize (Stephen Shellen) has been assigned to Katherine's case shortly after his girlfriend dumps him. Newly single, he has dinner at her house, in front of a burning fireplace. And then she coaxes him to join her in the pool. So they have sex - as if you don't see that coming. They're 2 of the most polar opposite people. He's a goofy-looking guy with sideburns, and she's a rich, well-dressed stock trader. He was previously a lawyer, which goes to show you shouldn't judge people by their appearance. As the film progresses, their relationship is put to the test when he gets angry over something he finds out about her. The reason she's afraid to leave her house is heartbreaking. I won't share it here, because I've already given away a spoiler, although it's not a big deal. The male detectives usually sleep with their female clients in these types of films. What I will say is, the reason she developed agoraphobia is an integral component to the story, as it relates to her husband's double life. Overall, I thought Frozen with Fear was exceptional, and I'd watch it again. I love movies where women who were in the clutches of apprehension and self-doubt gradually find the courage to be strong. My expectations were high, and I wasn't disappointed. You won't be either. Please watch this and draw your own conclusion.
