Shook takes long commutes as a given. That’s partly because it’s shot in Toronto, and definitely because it’s set in the suburban sprawl of Scarborough, the city’s east end. As directed by Amar Wala, the film visualizes so many travel scenes because that’s what it means to live there. But it also works as a solid metaphor for what it means to live.
Co-written with Anand Khan, Wala drew from his own experiences in the creation of Shook. And while the term “authenticity” is used as a punchline in the film, it’s clear the on-screen details are meant to capture something true to life. Front and centre is Ash (Saamer Usmani), a post-grad writer still trying to find his voice. His parents (Pamela Sinha and Bernard White, both excellent) have recently split up, with his father then revealing a troubling Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. As if that’s not enough, Ash also has a meet-cute with Claire (Amy Forsyth), introducing a ticking-clock romance to his life—just when it couldn’t be more overwhelming. To its credit, despite some familiar elements, Wala’s film never feels rote, with the performances grounded in a specific reality, rather than an easy stereotype. That doesn’t quite stop its “topical” jokes from feeling dated (like the now-decommissioned Scarborough RT which makes a brief appearance), yet the film finds a satisfying groove anyway. Aided by a lush score, Wala’s camera also reveals what’s incredible about Scarborough and Toronto, its mix of urban and green space, its diverse plazas, and yes, those lengthy commutes that allow time to reflect.
Shook isn’t as sharp as it could be, but it is heartfelt; and in its modest unevenness, there’s an innocence too, and a certain honesty. Who wasn’t once young and confused? Who hasn’t imagined their struggle to be the biggest in the world? Who didn’t fight with their family only to make up down the line? Maybe it’s cheesy to say this but: that’s all part of the journey.
