SHY LOUD

Treatment

In the sanctuary of his home, Adrian crafts guitar effects—his passion and livelihood. He primarily works at night, in silence, with purple curtains always drawn. This lifestyle is a necessity due to his social anxiety, which makes it extremely difficult for him to work with others in a traditional setting.

In today’s world, freelancers and small business owners need exposure, particularly on social media. Adrian finds himself with no choice but to launch TikTok and YouTube channels—an initially repulsive and uncomfortable experience. Yet, surprisingly, these platforms soon transform him into a more self-assured and open person, at least in front of the camera.

Adrian welcomes the film crew into his world, offering a glimpse into the captivating realm of guitar effects. We are drawn into rich soundscapes of delays, reverbs, and distortions while catching glimpses of his inner self. But the deeper we go, the more questions arise: Is Adrian truly authentic in the presence of the filming crew, or is he simply performing the persona he’s created online? Can “fake it till you make it” really ease social anxiety? Are the sounds the key to understanding him? As the crew spends more time with Adrian, they begin to doubt his true nature. Clarity emerges when his girlfriend shares her perspective, providing deeper insight into what living with social anxiety truly entails.

The title Shy Loud refers to a psychological condition affecting many people, particularly younger individuals, who, despite suffering from social anxiety (up to 10% of the population), are still “high-functioning” in society. The term “shy loud” has been used in the media to describe people who feel deflated after social interactions, often plagued by negative self-talk and the belief they’ve behaved badly, contributing to anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

The filmmakers harness the incredible sonic possibilities of guitar effects pedals to represent complex psychological states. The film is divided into three chapters, each reflecting a different aspect of Adrian’s life, structured around a specific sound effect. On one hand, Adrian explains how these effects are built, while on the other, the sounds serve as metaphors, setting the tone for the events unfolding on screen.

The three chapters are:

Chapter I: Fuzz
(a type of distortion that produces a thick, fuzzy, and heavily compressed tone. It clips the audio signal, creating a saturated, gritty sound)

In this chapter, Adrian appears energetic and outgoing, showing no obvious signs of social anxiety. He’s fully immersed in the chaotic, noisy world of running a small business. We also meet his girlfriend, Pati, a graphic designer who understands the challenges of life as a creative professional. Although they love each other, the 'distortion' of a demanding world looms over them

Chapter II: Reverb

(an effect that makes sounds feel as if they’re in a big room or hall, creating a sense of distance and detachment.)

Adrian invites us into the world of his childhood traumas, which cast a long shadow over his present life. We also learn that his relationship with Pati has not survived. As the unsettling sounds grow more intense, we are drawn deeper into Adrian’s darker side. Much like reverb itself, everything in his life—Pati, his childhood, his work—feels increasingly distant and elusive.

Chapter III: Delay

(an effect that records a sound and plays it back after a set period of time, creating an echo-like repetition of the original sound)

Adrian is once again plunged into the chaos of life as an entrepreneur. Here again, he appears as someone you’d never suspect of suffering from social anxiety. We begin to see that his personality is deeply shaped by the echoes of his childhood, with distant, unresolved experiences subtly replaying in his present. The delay effect takes on even deeper meaning as we uncover the roots of Adrian’s professional motivation.

Final Thoughts

The film doesn’t just immerse you in a world of sonic explorations; it also leaves you with the unsettling realization of how challenging it can be to recognize the signs of psychological disorders among your friends and family. On the other hand, for those who experience social anxiety—like 10% of the population—the film's sonic narration may resonate even more loudly.