Molten Moon Studio & Shebani Films
We’re excited to announce a joint venture – Domino Effect, a harrowing tale of escaping abuse and the healing power of friendship.
Trust your instincts.
At its core, ‘Domino Effect’ is a film that shines a light on the terrifying cycle of domestic abuse and insidious side effects. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in – or been friends with someone in – an abusive relationship. “Domino Effect” shows the light at the end of the tunnel, and takes you on a journey with Hayal as she reclaims her life and learns how to chase her dreams.
Vivid characters combine with powerful narrative and visuals, taking viewers on an emotional journey from misery to hope to despair to freedom. It’s a film that will put you in the shoes of the victim, and give you perspective on the struggles faced by those in domestic violence situations, and will leave you with newfound perspective for the courage and will they need to survive and thrive.
Writing ‘Domino Effect’ was therapeutic for me, as it’s a story that delves into the complex and dark secrets of abusive relationships. And while it’s not my story directly, it encompasses many of the situations that I’ve lived through from a variety of perspectives, as well as stories I’ve heard from other survivors. Exploring themes of power and control over another person’s every moment, “Domino Effect”, creates a world that explores the harsh reality of the cycle of abuse, and how it impacts our ability to trust our own judgement, thus robbing us of our agency and ability to act.
The characters in ‘Domino Effect’ are very real and vivid, with powerful motivators and backstories of their own that drive their daily decisions and interactions. Most importantly, Hayal’s character seeks to show that not all women stuck in abusive relationships are uneducated or come from less-than desirable backgrounds. Even smart people from loving and supportive families can be trapped by a master manipulator. And Hayal needs to learn to trust herself and her friends in order to escape, grow, and flourish.
Despite the darker and often gritty nature of the film, there are moments of joy and happiness, as Hayal struggles with the disconnect between her current life and the one she knows she was meant to lead. Follow Hayal on a journey of discovery as she learns to forgive herself for mistakes, steps up and takes control of her life, and learns that some things are worth fighting for – even if it means failing at first, getting back up and trying again.
I hope that ‘Domino Effect’ will leave audiences with a better understanding of the painful cycle of domestic violence, and how insidiously it creeps up and sinks its hooks into every facet of someone’s life. It’s a film that teaches us to show grace to others because you never know the struggles they are facing, and also provides us with hope that even the darkest days will see light.
Lyssa Angelique
Writer, Director – Domino Effect
Chief Creative Officer, Molten Moon Studio
