In her captivating film If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine, screenwriter and filmmaker Riya Agarwal delves into the delicate interplay between innocence, curiosity, and cultural expectations. Drawing from her own adolescence and deeply personal reflections, Riya crafts a narrative that resonates with audiences navigating the blurred lines of family dynamics and self-discovery.
In this interview, Riya shares her creative journey, from the inspirations behind her screenplay to her meticulous approach to character development and visual storytelling. With influences ranging from Martin McDonagh’s morally complex narratives to Alfred Hitchcock’s layered characters, she weaves a unique tone of poignancy and tension into her storytelling. Through candid insights, Riya discusses the challenges of balancing realism with sensitivity, maintaining authenticity in dialogue, and keeping the creative spark alive amidst the demands of emotionally charged storytelling.
Join us as we dive into the heart of Riya Agarwal’s creative process and explore the themes and techniques that bring If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine to life.
Amir Ganjavie, UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): What was the initial inspiration or personal experience that led you to write If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine?
Riya Agarwal (RA): The story was inspired by my reflections on growing up in a sheltered environment and the ways misunderstandings shaped my understanding of the world. I drew on moments from my own adolescence—those confusing in-betweens where curiosity clashed with cultural expectations. Through conversations with friends and family, I also noticed how actions, when taken out of context, can lead to misjudgment. This led me to explore the tension between protection and over-protection and how it impacts a young person’s growth.
(UM): What message or central theme were you aiming to convey through the film’s narrative?
(RA): The central theme of the film is the delicate balance between innocence and maturity, particularly in the context of family dynamics. It’s about how well-meaning intentions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, especially when communication is unclear. I wanted to explore the gray areas of trust, boundaries, and understanding, and to highlight how navigating these moments shapes a young person’s perception of themselves and the world.
(UM): How do you approach character development, especially when exploring complex, nuanced perspectives within young characters?
(RA): I approach character development by grounding each character in real people I’ve known or observed. For Niki, I drew from my own memories as a curious, naive child and combined that with traits I’ve seen in others. I also focus on their inner conflicts—what they want versus what they fear—and how their environment shapes those desires and anxieties. Writing young characters requires honesty; they’re complex and self-aware in ways adults often overlook, so I try to honor that complexity while keeping their voice authentic.
(UM): How did you balance the tension between innocence and maturity in a way that felt both realistic and respectful of the subject matter?
(RA): Balancing innocence and maturity required a lot of subtlety. I leaned into the idea that adolescence isn’t a straight line—it’s a messy mix of naivety, curiosity, and emotional depth. I focused on showing rather than telling, using small moments and gestures to convey Niki’s internal journey. For sensitive scenes, I made sure they were framed through Niki’s perspective, keeping the focus on her experience rather than making the moments overly explicit. This allowed the story to explore complex themes without losing respect for the subject matter.
(UM): Are there specific screenwriters or filmmakers whose approach to moral ambiguity and character complexity inspire your work?
(RA): Recently, Martin McDonagh’s work has been a huge inspiration. He has a remarkable ability to create a unique tone in his films, blending dark humor with complex, morally ambiguous characters. His no-nonsense dialogues are sharp and brutally honest, often filled with raw exchanges that feel both startling and deeply human. His characters are unapologetically flawed—the kind of ‘gray’ that fascinates me—and through his storytelling, we’re forced to confront the psychological and moral consequences of love, violence, hypocrisy, and the blurry lines between right and wrong.
Another significant influence is Hitchcock. His films have a timeless ability to reveal the duality and complexity within characters. Hitchcock was a master of exploring the hidden, darker sides of human nature, showing that no one is purely good or evil. Films like Psycho and Vertigo delve into characters’ secrets, flaws, and motivations, creating layers of tension and intrigue. His ability to craft suspense while peeling back the complexities of his characters has profoundly shaped how I approach storytelling.
Both McDonagh and Hitchcock remind me of the power of ambiguity in storytelling—not as a lack of clarity, but as a reflection of the complexities of human nature. Their work inspires me to dig deeper into the psyche of my characters, allowing their imperfections and contradictions to drive the narrative.
(UM): Can you share your process for structuring a screenplay, particularly when handling emotionally charged scenes?
(RA): For emotionally charged scenes, I start by understanding the emotional journey of the character. I map out what they feel at the start of the scene versus where they end up, and I build the structure around that shift. I also pay attention to pacing within the scene—allowing for moments of silence or hesitation to let the emotions breathe. Dialogue often comes last; I focus first on the physicality, subtext, and tone, which guide the words that eventually emerge.
(UM): How do you ensure authenticity in dialogue, especially when writing young or culturally diverse characters?
(RA): Authenticity in dialogue comes from listening. I pay attention to how people actually speak—their rhythms, their quirks, and how their background shapes their vocabulary and tone. For young characters, I focus on capturing their emotional honesty and their tendency to mix curiosity with bravado. For culturally diverse characters, I draw from my own experiences and those of people around me, always prioritizing specificity over stereotypes. Research and feedback from people with lived experiences are also key to keeping the dialogue grounded.
(UM): In writing scenes with sensitive topics, what strategies do you use to balance realism with sensitivity to the audience?
(RA): I approach sensitive topics with empathy and intent. It’s important to know why a scene exists and what it contributes to the story. I avoid sensationalism by focusing on the character’s perspective rather than the act or event itself. Collaborating with actors and crew is another critical step—they bring their insights to ensure the scene is handled thoughtfully. And I always consider how the audience might perceive the scene, aiming to evoke reflection rather than shock.
(UM): What techniques do you use to build tension and pacing within scenes to maintain audience engagement?
(RA): Tension comes from what’s unsaid as much as what’s shown. I build tension by layering subtext—letting the audience know more than the characters or creating situations where expectations don’t align with reality. Pacing is about knowing when to hold back and when to push forward. I use moments of stillness to let the audience absorb the stakes, then disrupt that with sudden action or dialogue to keep them engaged. Music, sound design, and editing also play huge roles in shaping the rhythm of a scene.
(UM): What is your process for developing a unique tone for a screenplay, and how does that influence your choices in storytelling?
(RA): Tone comes from the intersection of story, character, and visual style. For If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine, the tone needed to balance humor, discomfort, and poignancy. I leaned into contrasts—light-hearted moments like the egg-throwing scene juxtaposed with more introspective ones. The tone influences every choice, from how dialogue is written to how a scene is framed visually. I always ask: Does this moment fit the emotional palette of the story?
(UM): How do you incorporate visual storytelling, using setting or background details to reflect or enhance characters’ inner emotions?
(RA): Visual storytelling is a powerful way to externalize internal emotions. I use setting and props to reflect a character’s state of mind—like the idyllic beach town in If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine, which contrasts with Niki’s growing unease. Background details, like the cluttered family home, can hint at the dynamics within the household. I also think about color, light, and movement to create a mood that mirrors or contrasts with the character’s emotions.
(UM): What advice would you give to emerging screenwriters about keeping the creative flow going, especially during challenging projects?
(RA): The best advice I can give is to embrace the process rather than obsess over the outcome. Writing is messy, and it’s okay to have bad days. When I feel stuck, I step away—watch a film, read, or just go for a walk. Inspiration often comes when you’re not actively searching for it.
Also, don’t write in isolation. Share your work with trusted collaborators who can give honest feedback. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to break through a creative block. Most importantly, trust your voice and remember why you started writing in the first place—that passion will carry you through the challenges.
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