THE STORY
Therein Lies Darkness
Feature Film, In Production
A psychological drama about truth, identity, and the silence that breaks us.
Therein Lies Darkness is a gripping, character-driven drama exploring women’s mental health, emotional trauma, and the invisible battles carried behind closed doors. Deeply personal and hauntingly atmospheric, the film confronts the moments where reality fractures — and healing becomes a matter of survival.
At the center of the film is Jasmine, a woman struggling to maintain her sense of self as unresolved grief, generational trauma, and internalized pressure begin pulling her apart. Her relationships strain, her emotional world tightens, and every attempt to keep herself together brings her closer to unraveling.
Through intimate performances and a visual style grounded in realism and emotional tension, Therein Lies Darkness explores:
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The weight of unspoken trauma
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The complexities of women’s mental health
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The emotional labor women carry in silence
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The fine line between resilience and collapse
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The truths we hide — even from ourselves
It is a story for women who have had to be strong for too long.
A story for anyone who has struggled alone.
A story about finally facing what’s been buried.
Why This Film Matters
Therein Lies Darkness is more than a film — it is a cultural conversation.
- Centers a nuanced portrayal of women’s mental health
- Challenges ageism and limited representation for women over 40
- Offers emotionally rich, award-caliber roles
- Shows generational trauma through an intimate cinematic lens
- Speaks to issues deeply resonant with audiences today
This project aligns with festivals and distributors seeking bold, human stories —
films like Anora, Tár, The Assistant, The Lost Daughter, and A Woman Under the Influence.
The Proof of Concept
A professionally directed proof-of-concept film has been completed and is currently in post-production. The POC captures the emotional tone, visual language, and narrative intimacy of the feature — serving as a key tool for investor outreach, festival positioning, and casting attachments.
Status:
Editing and color by Director Hassan Abdul-Wahid underway
Sound, score, and final polish in progress
Estimated POC completion: January 2026
Creative Team
Directed by
Hassan Abdul-Wahid
Known for evocative, atmospheric filmmaking that blends naturalism with emotional depth.
Written by
Briant Happ
A screenwriter with a gift for grounded, psychological storytelling and layered character work.
Produced by
Margaux Amie
Founder of True Self Films — a women-led, minority-owned film studio committed to bold, meaningful storytelling.
Cast (Selected)
Andrea Lareo
Jasmine
Roberta Bassin
Monica
Kareem Stroud
Perry
Branden Garrett
Vincent
Additional casting underway for the pivotal role of Ava Charles.
Status & Next Steps
Current Stage
- Proof of Concept in Post
- Investor Outreach (Winter/Spring)
- Fiscal Sponsorship Pending
- Festival Strategy in Development
Next Phase
- Complete POC
- Secure cast and distribution-level attachments
- Finalize financing
- Begin pre-production
- Film the feature
