Shrink

The film begins at the climax when Dr. Harper Angst, disillusioned with her stagnant therapeutic practice, faces a pivotal moment when her client, Lewis, confronts her. The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks and Harper's introspective narration. Two clients, Lewis and Andy, sent by "Gold Leaf Investments," unwittingly reveal their involvement in money laundering during their sessions with Harper. Harper grapples with the moral dilemma of seizing the laundered funds as she pieces together their scheme. The story navigates Harper's journey from contemplation to a daring decision to orchestrate a heist. Returning to the film's opening, we witness Harper's strategic manipulation, leveraging confidential session details to pit her clients against each other and execute a daring escape with ill-gotten gains.

  • Aliza Jawahar
    Director
  • Aliza Jawahar
    Writer
  • Scotty Irving
    Writer
  • Camila Sofia Rodriguez-Lopez
    Producer
  • Mariana Gomes
    Producer
  • Samori Jackson
    Producer
  • Justine Parsons
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Harper Angst"
  • Fahad Ahmad
    Key Cast
    "Lewis"
  • Scotty Irving
    Key Cast
    "Andy "
  • Evyatar Gershon
    Cinematographer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Crime, Suspense
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 25, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York University
  • NYU First Run Film Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    April 4, 2024
    Not a premiere: private screening for exemplary films by the NYU community.
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Aliza Jawahar

Aliza Jawahar's directorial journey is a fusion of her upbringing in Toronto, Riyadh, and Chennai, which shaped her unique perspective on storytelling. Graduating from the Tisch School of the Arts in 2023 with a BFA in Film and TV Production, she refined her skills to craft narratives enriched by her diverse cultural experiences. Aliza's style is distinguished by her wry cynical humor, offering dark comedies that take a cold, unapologetic look at flawed individuals and social structures. With an unflinching gaze, she challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while navigating the complexities of human nature. As a first-time independent filmmaker, Aliza Jawahar promises to make a significant impact on the cinematic landscape with her insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

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Director Statement

As the director of “Shrink,” I’m drawn to exploring the human experience of growing older and the unique challenges that come with it. I believe that the themes of loneliness, dissatisfaction, rebellion, and identity are particularly relevant to those who have reached a certain age and are grappling with their place in the world. The idea of becoming invisible after turning 50 is a pervasive one in our society, and I wanted to challenge that notion by casting an older woman in a lead role. By doing so, I hope to highlight the depth and complexity of her character, as well as provide an opportunity for audiences to see a different perspective on aging.
The decision to take an experimental approach to the film by telling a non chronological story was also interesting to me as it’s something I’ve never done before. Through this approach, I explored the character's emotional journey and the impact of past choices on their present reality.
Finally, I believe that this film has the potential to inspire others to embrace their individuality, take risks, and pursue their passions, no matter what their age. I hope to create a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that will challenge audiences to rethink their assumptions about aging, identity, and the choices we make in life.