With Shut In, the latest horror thriller from team that brought you Delivery: The Beast Within, set to World Premiere at tonight’s LA Film Festival (10:50pm), Bloody Disgusting caught up with star Beth Riesgraf to talk about the new thriller that’s been nominated for the fest’s Nightfall Award.

In Shut In, Riesgraf stars as Anna, a woman who suffers from agoraphobia so crippling that when a trio of criminals breaks into her house, she cannot bring herself to flee. But what the intruders don’t realize is that agoraphobia is not her only psychosis.

BLOODY DISGUSTING: How did you prepare for the role of an agoraphobic?

BETH RIESGRAF: “I had a short amount of time to prepare before heading off to Shreveport so I had to move fast. I made a journal, researched specific cases, watched interviews, and also spoke with a counselor who deals mainly with agoraphobia. The physical elements in Shreveport played a huge role in character development as well. The house was really creepy. It had an overwhelming mildew smell, it was damp, hot, and time seemed to stop once you went inside. A lot of the film’s tone naturally exists in that space.”

BD: Shut In has a new spin on home invasion horror, was there a lot of talk on set as to how to keep you from leaving?

“It is a spin on home invasion because Anna hasn’t stepped outside of her home in over ten years and has no plans of ever leaving, even when confronted with the loss of her beloved companion. She has acute agoraphobia. It’s not shyness: it’s a crippling, debilitating anxiety. Once the intruders arrive the question for us was really, what does she do to get what she wants, and how far will she go to get it?”

BD: Do you turn the tables on the invaders?

“Well, I can say the biggest mistake they make is thinking they are the ones in control. What they don’t realize is that Anna’s home is her fortress, and she is the queen of the castle.”

BD: Can you speak to playing a strong female in today’s society where feminism is an important issue?

“Yes. I was drawn to this role because Anna is a survivor. She is a great protagonist because she is not without her faults, has huge obstacles to overcome, and is a total mastermind. Adam and Brian were not interested in victimizing or minimizing Anna’s strength and we all paid a lot of attention to that point. We were a good team. It’s a great time for women in TV and film, but I think this world needs more both in front of and behind the camera. I feel so much gratitude to anyone of any gender or race who overcomes adversity or abuse, anyone who is not afraid to make their voice heard. It’s so easy to give in. It’s a lot harder to fight for what you want. And with acting, those are the types of characters that speak to and inspire me.”

BD: Who are some of your inspirations?

“Mary Pickford, Meryl Streep, Kathryn Bigelow, Alfred Hitchcock, Francois Truffaut, Billy Wilder… so many artists, but most of all my parents. They are incredibly hard working and compassionate. They have always embraced my independent spirit, and encouraged me to be a self-reliant woman. My dad’s motto has always been, ‘Go get it, be happy, and be kind to others along the way.’ ”

BD: How violent is Shut In? What can horror fans expect?

“It’s more thriller than slasher, but with a good bit of blood and violence. There is one scene in particular that was hard for me to watch because the violence is unexpected, almost quiet, and so realistic.”

BD: Did you do most of your own stunts? How was that experience?

“Yes, but there are always pieces I can’t do because they are too dangerous, and I’m not a stunt performer. We shot the film in 15 days so we had to move fast. I remember for one of the big stunts both Jennifer Cobb and I were there, so as the camera swung around I picked up where she left off. It was crazy timing and I can’t believe how well it worked out.”

BD: What’s next, any more horror in the future?

“My new TV series, “Complications” will be premiering on June 18th on USA. Then we’ll see what’s next!”