Filmmaker Statement

Over the last several years, there has been a global movement to reassess what is considered a "healthy" interpersonal relationship. Inspired by the Robert Browning poem "Porphyria's Lover," this short film explores the battle between a gaslighting, obsessive man and his trusting, infirm lover. Her dawning realization of the truth of her illness forms the backbone of a battle of wills that will leave both lovers forever changed. Unlike in the Browning poem, it was important for our filmmaking team to grant agency to our protagonist and have her fight back against her circumstances, however dire they may end up being. Our hope is that viewers will leave the film examining their own relationships and confronting any power imbalances that might be uncovered.