Riya Agarwal’s If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine is a delightful, thought-provoking story that sneaks up on you with its layers. At first glance, it’s about a young girl trying to pull off a harmless, rebellious act - watching an R-rated movie with her friends. But beneath this innocent heist, Agarwal digs deep into the tension between innocence and growing up, weaving in family expectations and cultural identity in a way that resonates far beyond its short length.
The main character, Niki, is a fantastic mix of youthful curiosity, naivety and determination, the kind of thirteen-year-old who can make anyone nostalgic for that age when we all just wanted to grow up a little too quickly.
Her attempts to watch the movie lead to unexpected (and at times, hilariously absurd) consequences, with moments like her telling her brother Adam that Clarissa, a 7th grader from their school, got pregnant after she “called the White House and asked President Bush for a baby.” That kind of humor keeps the story light but also sharp - it reminds us of how kids’ imaginations and limited knowledge can lead to innocent misunderstandings.
Agarwal also does a wonderful job with the family dynamics. Niki’s brother Adam is the protective, slightly naïve older sibling (yet less naive than Niki), and their relationship feels real - he’s both her partner in crime and the one reeling her in. Their cool uncle Obi adds a rebellious spark, encouraging Niki’s need to push boundaries, which you can tell he thinks is essential for growth. Then there’s Maya, Niki’s mother, whose protectiveness creates a lot of tension. She’s a classic “helicopter mom,” but her love for Niki and Adam is clear, and her struggle to balance that love with letting Niki make mistakes feels very real, especially in the end, when Maya is developing into the mother she has (probably) always wanted to be.
The scenes between Niki and Obi, especially one in his bedroom, bring in a discomfort that makes you reflect on how much kids are exposed to - maybe more than they’re ready for - and it’s impressive how Agarwal touches on this without overstating anything. It’s one of those moments that pulls you out of the humor and reminds you that this story is really about navigating the delicate line between innocence and maturity.
Agarwal’s style is fantastic here; she brings a lot of depth with just the right amount of humor. The dialogue flows so naturally, making each character’s personality stand out without ever feeling forced. There’s a great mix of humor, tension, and little surprises, like when Brad, the DVD shop owner chases Niki and her friends or when Maya, Niki’s mother, finds out what’s in the paper bag. It all feels incredibly real and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
What makes this story even more interesting is the way it portrays cultural dynamics. With Niki’s family being South Asian immigrants in the U.S., Agarwal captures the subtle push and pull between traditional family values and the Western cultural influences her children are growing up with. It’s not heavy-handed, but you feel it - especially in Maya’s protectiveness and Obi’s more laid-back attitude. These elements give the story an extra layer of relatability for anyone who’s ever navigated two worlds at once.
Agarwal’s writer’s statement is spot on. She says it’s not a story about sexuality but rather about the challenge kids face in figuring out right from wrong without the tools adults have. And in the end, If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine really does show us that coming-of-age stories don’t need big, dramatic moments to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a “rebellious” thirteen-year-old, a funny misunderstanding, and a little family chaos. This screenplay left me reflecting on my own childhood and the complexities of growing up, and it’s clear that Agarwal’s work has a lot to offer audiences of any age.
In September 2024, If You Show Me Yours I'll Show You Mine won Best Screenplay at Top Shorts.
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