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- 🎬 New in Theatres Across Canada – Shook Opens August 8
🎬 New in Theatres Across Canada – Shook Opens August 8
Shook is a must-see this month
We’re shining the spotlight on a deeply personal and powerful new Canadian drama hitting theatres this month.
From Scarborough, with Heart: Amar Wala’s Shook
Opening in theatres across Canada on August 8, Shook marks the feature debut of writer-director Amar Wala, expanding on his acclaimed 2018 short film of the same name. Co-written with novelist Adnan Khan, and inspired by Wala’s own experiences, Shook is a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the complexities of father-son relationships.
Set in Scarborough, the film follows Ashish (Saamer Usmani), an aspiring writer torn between the desire to pursue his creative dreams downtown and the growing responsibility to reconnect with his estranged father Vijay (Bernard White), recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
With its grounded portrayal of family, culture, and city life, Shook offers something rarely seen on the big screen: a love letter to Toronto that doesn’t shy away from its realities, but still embraces the beauty of its communities.
Critics have praised Shook’s sense of place and emotional depth:
"Wala brings a great sense of place to Shook… He unabashedly shoots Toronto as Toronto and echoes his own protagonist's drive to root his stories in people and places that are recognizably real." — That Shelf
"Those from Scarborough will appreciate its balanced portrayal of the beloved neighbourhood, but there’s something here for everyone." — Film Inquiry
Whether you’re from Scarborough or just love honest, heartfelt storytelling, Shook is a must-see this month.
Follow us @connektfilm for updates.