‘The Knock Shadow’ Wraps Production: Inside the 1980s Psych-Thriller Examining Mental Health and Trauma

LOS ANGELES — Independent cinema is changing, and the difference between a “short film” and a “prestige production” is less clear than ever. The Knock Shadow, a psychological thriller short that just finished filming, is the latest example. It brings real Hollywood weight to the festival circuit.

The film stars Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black) and Kevin Kilner (Earth: Final Conflict). It is more than just a showcase for its stars; it is a detailed period piece set in a 1980s psychiatric hospital. By bringing in well-known actors for a high-concept short, the team is making a strong bid for the 2026 festival season.

The story follows a young female therapist in the 1980s whose sense of reality starts to break down after she meets a patient with mysterious symptoms. The filmmakers aim to make viewers question what is real and what is considered “standard practice” in mental health care.

Lea DeLaria, known as the first openly gay comic on American TV and a three-time SAG Award winner, plays “Sketch,” a bold patient who disrupts the ward. DeLaria is also a producer on the film, showing how established actors value the creative freedom that short films offer.

Kevin Kilner, an industry veteran, plays “Dr. Bert Einhardt,” a psychiatrist who sticks to old methods. For indie filmmakers, casting actors like DeLaria and Kilner—who has worked on Madam Secretary and in theater—shows how a short film can gain attention even before it is shown.

Lauren Sowa (Brett Was a F*ck) directs the film and also acts as Dr. Julia Gorecki. Sowa says the script feels classic, even though it is set in the past:

“When I first read Ren Dara Santiago’s script for The Knock Shadow, I was immediately drawn into the world of these two women striving to escape their demons. It feels rooted in the time period and also timeless.”

Award-winning playwright Ren Dara Santiago wrote the script. Santiago has also written for Showtime’s Let the Right One In. A playwright’s approach often brings strong, dialogue-driven scenes, which is important for a psychological thriller with a short runtime.

One of the most interesting aspects for Indie Shorts Mag readers is the group behind the film: Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment).

Healing TREE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to change how society deals with abuse and trauma. By making films for advocacy, they are part of a trend where mission-driven groups act as studios. For indie producers, this model offers a way to fund films with a purpose, allowing art to both entertain and drive social change.

This collaborative spirit is reflected in the production’s leadership. Marissa Ghavami, known for her work in the BAFTA-nominated Mass (Sundance 2021), plays both the role of actor (“Alex”) and producer. The producing team is rounded out by co-producers Leah Gaydos (Rounding, Tribeca 2022), Santiago, and Janelle Yull.

The cast also includes Elizabeth Ramos (Poker Face) as “Yari” and Kenisha Pinckney (Myal Uprising) as “Tara,” the therapist at the heart of the story’s mystery.

Now that filming is finished, The Knock Shadow is moving into post-production and aiming for a 2026 festival premiere. Short filmmakers should keep an eye on this project. It brings together high production values, top talent, and a socially conscious approach—three factors that often lead to success at major festivals.