Kahlil Maskati’s feature film Do I Shock U Like Lightning? is a story about how friends can inspire one another to do great things. Ellie (Malia Aiello) is a young woman trying to find her place in this world. She lives with her boyfriend, Adam (Malcolm Nicolas), who just got his dream job in Pittsburgh and wants Elle to go with him. Then there’s Eduardo (Omar Maskati), otherwise known as Wardy. Wardy is a failed songwriter living on his last chance to make it in Los Angeles as an artist.
As fate would have it, Ellie, with ukulele in hand, runs into Wardy at a park amphitheater. He and his friends are putting on an open-air, open-mic session to no audience…except Ellie. Wardy’s music is good, but he doesn’t believe in lyrics, so it’s all just a series of “doo-doo-doo’s.” It is as if Ellie comes up with the perfect lyrics by magic.
Suddenly Wardy finds new life in songwriting thanks to Ellie and a beautiful friendship is born. Yet, the more time Wardy spends with Ellie, the more he begins to fall in love with her. Wardy’s feelings then begin to complicate Ellie’s decision to follow Adam across the country to his new job. This tension builds throughout the film to the point that Ellie is forced to decide between friendship and love.
“Suddenly Wardy finds new life in songwriting thanks to Ellie and a beautiful friendship is born.”
There is a strong, youthful indie charm that shines through in Do I Shock U Like Lightning? It’s a low-budget film because the story is a light drama about youthful friendship and love. The sets are park locations and various homes. At the same time, a serious effort was put into making Kahlil Maskati’s feature film look professional with high-quality camerawork, lights, and sound. In other words, this is a good-looking and feel-good film.
Now to the film’s charm. There is a definite sense that not only does writer/director Kahlil Maskati want to tell a story that is positive as hell, but so do his cast and crew. Do I Shock U Like Lightning? will appeal to the optimists in life versus the pessimists. If you like your stories dark and depressing, this is not where you want to be. As Ellie and Wardy, Malia Aiello and Omar Maskati are just too cute together, along with their supporting cast as friends.
Do I Shock U Like Lightning? features plenty of music. As a musical theater fan, I think the songs are good but not Sondheim-worthy. The music is full of youthful inexperience, which, quite frankly, only gets better over time for any up-and-coming composer. It’s not cringe-worthy or bad, but I want unforgettable music. Let’s be real: Even Disney hasn’t been able to pull it off.
Again, the story pushes Do I Shock U Like Lightning? over the recommendation line. Making it big in Los Angeles is a lofty goal, and it can only be done by the people around you, especially the ones who inspire you to grow and become a better person. It’s not enough to influence others; you must also recognize those who make you a better person.
Do I Shock U Like Lightning? is a heartfelt indie gem that thrives on its optimism and charm. Kahlil Maskati delivers a touching reminder that the right people can push us toward our dreams, even when life tempts us with easier, safer choices. With endearing performances and a feel-good spirit, this kind of film leaves you humming a tune and believing in the power of unexpected connections you make in life.
"…With endearing performances and a feel-good spirit, this kind of film leaves you humming a tune."
