Bucks Co. Filmmaker Releases First Feature Film

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON, PA — A Bucks County couple's love for science fiction, horror movies and each other have all contributed to the recent release of their first feature film.

"The Honeymoon Phase," a sci-fi, psychological thriller directed by Upper Southampton native Phillip G. Carroll, Jr., was released by Dark Sky Films on Friday on digital home video and on demand, as well as in limited theatrical release.

It's the first feature film by Carroll, who calls it a labor of love birthed after he and his wife, Chloe Carroll, fell in love while making short films together. He said his fandom of science fiction and drama combined with Chloe's taste for horror movies helped form the concept for "The Honeymoon Phase."

Chloe Carroll is a producer on the film and acts in it as well.

"The Honeymoon Phase" tells the story of young lovers Tom and Eve, who lie about their relationship in order to qualify for a mysterious experiment that offers them $50,000 in exchange for living isolated together for 30 days in a futuristic smart home while researchers look on.

Over the course of their stay, Eve (played by Chloe Carroll) descends into violent madness as she begins to question whether her lover is truly the man she believes him to be.

The movie also stars Jim Schubin ("Boardwalk Empire," "Law & Order"), Tara Westwood ("The Grudge") and Francois Chau ("Lost," "The Expanse").

Phillip Carroll calls the film's tone equal parts "The Twilight Zone" and "Dark Mirror."

"Phillip and Chloe would like to thank the countless talented, devoted and supportive people who helped bring their first feature film to life," they said in a news release. "From the incredible cast and crew to the local Philadelphia and Bucks County community who threw their support behind the movie — Phillip and Chloe are forever grateful to them all for helping to make their dream come true."

"The Honeymoon Phase" is now available on Apple TV/iTunes and on Amazon Prime Video.

Watch a trailer for the movie below: