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Scissors is a 1991 psychological thriller film that stars Sharon Stone, Steve Railsback, and Ronny Cox. Directed by Frank De Felitta, the movie follows the life of a young woman named Angela (played by Stone) who is traumatized by a violent incident that occurred in her childhood. This trauma has left her with a severe case of agoraphobia, which makes her feel trapped and isolated in her own home. However, the events that occur during the movie force Angela to confront her fears and come face-to-face with her past.

The film opens with an introduction to Angela, who lives in a large, Victorian-style house with her mother, played by Lois Chiles. We learn that Angela is a successful hairdresser and spends most of her time in her home, which she has turned into a sanctuary. As the movie progresses, we witness Angela's growing anxiety and the various methods she uses to control it. At one point, she hires a stranger named Paul (played by Railsback) to come into her home and act as a security guard. This decision proves to be a fatal mistake as Paul has his own agenda, and he quickly becomes obsessive and controlling towards Angela. Throughout the movie, we see Angela balancing her fear of the outside world with her growing terror of the man she has let into her home.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Angela's past and the event that led to her agoraphobia. She was attacked when she was younger, and the trauma of that event has caused her to become increasingly reclusive. This trauma manifests itself in various ways, including a recurring nightmare in which a pair of scissors become a violent weapon.

The tension in the film builds gradually as we watch Angela struggle to maintain her control over her life. She soon comes to realize that her home, which she had created as a fortress, is no longer a safe place. The growing narrative tension is compounded by the fact that Angela's mother is away, leaving her completely alone and vulnerable to Paul’s threats.

Scissors plays with themes of control and obsession throughout the movie. The film is filled with subtle clues pointing toward Paul’s deviant character; we begin to suspect him from the very moment he enters the picture. The movie offers a deep dive into the mind of an agoraphobic character and offers a commentary on the inherent fragility of the human mind.

Throughout the film, we see Angela struggling with the choices she has made in terms of her own safety. She is torn between the safety of her own home and her desire for human connection. She begins to realize that her fortress is no longer an adequate defense against the outside world or her own inner demons. Ultimately, the events of the film force Angela to confront her fears and become more self-reliant.

The film’s messaging is amplified by the strong performances of its lead actors. Sharon Stone is compelling as Angela, conveying deep vulnerability and resilience throughout the film. Steve Railsback plays the villainous Paul as a chilling mixture of charm and malice, leading audiences to fear for Angela at every turn. Ronny Cox, in his role as a doctor, provides the perfect counterpoint to the other actors with his calm and reassuring presence.

In conclusion, Scissors is a deeply engaging psychological thriller that explores themes of control, obsession, fear, and trauma. The film’s strength lies in its ability to keep the audience guessing right up to the end, with a finale that is both shocking and satisfying. Anchored by superb performances from its lead actors, Scissors is a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the psychological thriller genre.

Scissors is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.