Why Does the Onion Make us Cry? (The Dance Between Empaths and Narcissists)
The Cast
Basil Roderick
Patrick
A well established successful entrepreneur who has been given the ultimatum by his wife, Melinda, to seek counseling for his emotionally abusive behavior or face divorce. He submits only for his beloved son, Tyler. Patrick is up for the potential fight, in court and in therapy. Patrick shows Dr. Ryan the many layers of his personality 'layers' that are peeled away, as secrets unfold within this narration. Empaths and Narcissists
Lynnette Arthur
Empaths and Narcissists;
Dr. Ryan
A clinical psychologist who not only specializes in NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) but is also an NPD survivor herself. She knows more about her new client Patrick than he knows about himself. Dr. Ryan's goal is to use his sessions to expose, dissect and integrate his past, present and future .
Kubbi
Empaths and Narcissists;
The Ghost
The Co-Dependent 'ghost' mother who played a huge role in Patrick's unresolved trauma. She is a ghost in Patrick's past that continues to play a role in his present day therapy sessions.
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Patrice A. London
Melinda
Melinda, the wife of Patrick - a successful career woman and mother of 4 year old Tyler -comes to the realization that for most of her marriage she has unknowingly been a victim of Narcissistic abuse. After researching her husband's abusive behaviors and personality traits online to gain insight she discovers that his traits have a name and a diagnosis. Recognizing the danger the issue presents to their marriage, she seeks therapy for herself and her Patrick. She is hopeful in wanting to not only save her marriage but her husband as well, with whom she empathises because she is somewhat aware of his childhood trauma. Defeated, devalued, and emotionally abandoned within her marriage, the character of Melinda becomes a window into the experience of what Narcissistic abuse looks and feels like. As she journals her way to understanding her husband's behavior and her own experience, she depends on Patrick's therapist , Dr. Ryan, to mend the broken bridge between them.
Synopsis
WRITTEN BY JAHIDAH DIAAB
CO-WRITTEN BY LISA SCHALK
Why Does the Onion Make us Cry? Dr Ryan A clinical psychologist who not only specializes in NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) but is also an NPD survivor herself. She knows more about her new client Patrick than he knows about himself. Her goal is to use his sessions to expose, dissect and integrate his past, present and future. Patrick A well established, successful entrepreneur who has been given the ultimatum by his wife, Melinda, to seek counseling for his emotionally abusive behavior or face divorce. He submits only for the sake of his beloved son, Tyler. Patrick is up for the potential fight, in court and in therapy. Patrick shows Dr. Ryan the many layers of his ‘personality’ layers that are peeled away as secrets unfold within this narration. Why Does the Onion Make us Cry is an analysis of the effects of past trauma that have been disregarded, then displaced onto the ones we love. A performance and character driven piece that peels back the layers of one man. This story exposes and explores the emotional and social complications that has brought one man to the brink of losing his present family, and forces him to uncover secrets of his past family. Patrick sees his therapy as a means to an end in order to avoid a ‘messy’ divorce. As he uses his sessions to deflect and disassociate from his secret past, Dr. Ryan, who has personal experience with narcissistic abuser tendencies, guides him on a journey that brings him to an unwilling reflective state, highlighting familial parallels in his life. While paving the road to recovery for Patrick; she is faced with her own conscience, specifically regarding ethics and loyalty. As the plot unfolds, this dance of dialogue can feel like one is watching a fencing match, witnessing the strategic work between therapist and patient. As unfolding human complications are exposed, we are allowed to watch it through the lens of the abuser, victim, survivor and healer. Throughout this therapeutic process of evasion, deflection and denial, we watch as the mask begins to slip off both characters, leaving the viewer to ask themselves; will Patrick’s sessions with Dr. Ryan pave a road to recovery or retribution? And can there be empathy for one who feels no empathy?
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Bringing Awareness Through Intentional Filmmaking
Bringing Awareness Through Intentional Filmmaking
Bringing Awareness Through Intentional Filmmaking
Bringing Awareness Through Intentional Filmmaking
Bringing Awareness Through Intentional Filmmaking
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