"Pretty": Metecan Duren's Ambitious Horror Debut Shows Promise
New horror film "Pretty" is good to look at thanks to 19-year-old director Metecan Duren.
Paper Flowers (2026)
Based on a true story, USC graduate Shalin Shah leaves behind the expectations of his Indian-American family and his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. But when a persistent cough leads to a devastating diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Shalin is forced to return home and confront a future he never anticipated. Surrounded by his family, Fiona, and his closest friends, he begins to reconsider what it means to live with purpose when time can no longer be taken for granted. As Shalin’s perspective deepens, his reflections on gratitude, love, and mortality inspire the essay “Thank You, Cancer,” which is published by HuffPost and goes viral with readers around the world. A devastatingly beautiful story of family, resilience, and the lasting impact of one life, Paper Flowers is a reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments that give life meaning. #SunsetsForShalin
- / 5
PopScore
Representation
Pictures and Videos
Movie Information
Based on a true story, USC graduate Shalin Shah leaves behind the expectations of his Indian-American family and his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. But when a persistent cough leads to a devastating diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Shalin is forced to return home and confront a future he never anticipated. Surrounded by his family, Fiona, and his closest friends, he begins to reconsider what it means to live with purpose when time can no longer be taken for granted. As Shalin’s perspective deepens, his reflections on gratitude, love, and mortality inspire the essay “Thank You, Cancer,” which is published by HuffPost and goes viral with readers around the world. A devastatingly beautiful story of family, resilience, and the lasting impact of one life, Paper Flowers is a reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments that give life meaning. #SunsetsForShalin
Rating:
Genre:Drama, Family
Written By:Mary Krell-Oshi
In Theaters:8/21/2026
Box Office:
Runtime:100 minutes
Studio:AV Entertainments, Paper Flowers Movie, LLC
Articles You May Like
‘Monsoon’ : Hazy Memories of Home
After his family fled to England after the Vietnam War, Kit returns home to Saigon.
"Do Revenge" Bends Genres, Champions Authenticity, and Promotes Inclusivity
'Do Revenge' offers a 2022-relevant sociopolitical commentary that decries virtue signaling while promoting the inclusive virtues the nefarious power structures exploit.
"Elio" and What Could Have Been
Elio could be seen as fantastic piece of representation, showing lonely children who feel ostracized that they are not alone. That is, unless you look behind the curtain.
“Moonlight” is One of the Most Beautiful Black Pride Movies Out There
Moonlight is a film that will certainly be remembered for how it won Best Picture, but the movie itself should be known for its excellent representation of one of the most underrepresented groups in film: Black, gay men.
Holier than Thou Hypocrisy, as Seen in 'Yes, God Yes'
'Yes, God, Yes (2019)' is a coming-of-age tale about a Christian teenage girl discovering her sexuality, the turbulence that comes with it from within herself, and the judgment from those around her.