Monday Night Film Series presents SHOOK-FR

Event date(s): February 16, 2026
Time(s): 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

The Monday Night Film Series presents "SHOOK", on February 16th Monday at 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, Room 102 at UNB. 

Shook is a Canadian fiction feature that follows Ashish ("Ash") Usmani (Saamer Usmani), an aspiring writer in suburban Scarborough facing a quarter-life crisis. Recently graduated but struggling to publish his novella, Ash's life is further complicated by his parents' recent divorce. The main story begins when his estranged father, Vijay (Bernard White), reveals a Parkinson's diagnosis, forcing Ash to take on a caregiving role. Simultaneously, he meets Claire (Amy Forsyth), a free-spirited barista new to Toronto, and their romance highlights the tension between his suburban reality and his desire for a "city" life. 

The film is an ode to the polyglot nature of big cities, using authentic local details to explore themes of identity, generational divides, and familial love. Directed by Amar Wala, it's praised for its charming, complicated characters and realistic portrayals, managing to balance tenderness and humor with the harsh realities of young adult life. Usmani authentically portrays Ash's internal conflict and struggle with decision-making capacity. It's an engaging exploration of finding one's path amidst chaos, capturing the complexities of growing up.

The humanity that Wala and co-writer Adnan Khan use to entwine every character and moment in the film forms universal connective tissues all audiences can hold onto. Rachel Ho, Exclaim! 

Shook is a charming and often funny low-key look at mid-20s life, complete with romance, aging parents, career concerns and the anxiety of missing the last train home to the suburbs. Richard Crouse

This term, 15 limited release, independent foreign & Canadian films will be shown. Admission is $10/film, but a film society membership reduces admission cost to $7/film. The series is open to all. Memberships are available at Tilley 102 every Monday night.

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op 455-1632  info@nbfilmcoop.com https://www.nbfilmcoop.com/monday-night-film-series 

The NB Film Co-op in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts and the Toronto Film Festival presents the series.

Building: Tilley Hall

Room Number: Room 102