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“For the Safety of Theo embraces these absurd and silly moments to a brilliantly funny effect. Cleverly cast, we instantly connect and understand Theo, because despite his compulsions he is perfectly, unashamedly average. And that in itself feels new and brave. It also adds a much-needed layer of depth and complexity to our understanding of mental health. The fact that Macken has achieved this whilst also making us laugh is nothing short of brilliant.”

—SERAFIMA SERAFIMOVA, Short of the Week

Festival Selection

Official Trailer

Our Story

As someone who has struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder his whole life but has been disappointed with how it’s portrayed in film and TV, director Christopher Macken is hoping to change the perception of OCD in his film For the Safety of Theo.

Most people don’t realize how painful living with OCD can be, not only for the people overrun by their compulsions, but for the people around them—specifically in their sexual and romantic relationships.

Christopher Macken says, “I hope this film takes the stereotypical “fun-quirkiness” out of this disorder and shows just how painful it can get for the person suffering. I also hope to bring awareness to how a person with OCD, lost in their active compulsions, affects the people around them, whether that be their friends and family, or in this case, a one-night stand.”

Watch on Short of the Week

About the Film

When casual hook-ups become too debilitating, a man suffering from OCD seeks out different ways to purge himself of the consequences of the night before. For the Safety of Theo is a short film showing the mental toll OCD takes on a person, and the people around them, when they are overcome by their obsessive compulsive need for control.

Director’s Statement

I have suffered with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder my entire life.

I’m very grateful to have worked in the film industry for the last five years, while also working on managing my intrusive thoughts through OCD therapy, support groups, meditation, and 12 step. In the recent years, OCD recovery has been a huge part of my life and has, in response, become a huge part of my art.

It’s a constant disappointment how OCD is portrayed in film and TV; Often stereotyped as “being organized” or “keeping things tidy,” when in fact, that barely scratches the surface. Most people don’t realize how painful living with OCD can be, not only for the person overrun by their compulsions, but for the people around them—specifically in their sexual and romantic relationships.

I hope this film takes the stereotypical “fun-quirkiness” out of this disorder and brings awareness to just how painful it can get for the person suffering.

— Christopher Macken

Director, For the Safety of Theo