Concept

Concerned with how people whose anxiety decreased during the pandemic will reintegrate as the world returns to “normal”. Uses a circular narrative structure to create moments of confusion, and overly stimulating visuals, interspersed with peaceful, less busy moments.

General Plot Structure:

• Introduces the viewer to a perspective that was born anxiously aware

• Represents initial stress of the pandemic

• Followed by moments of relief and understanding

• Alternates between calm and active scenes

• Touches on acceptance and the beginning of therapeutic treatment

• Only to be interrupted by overwhelming environments again

• Returns to a similar place where we started

A Few Articles Used for Inspiration

These people thrived in pandemic isolation -- and aren't ready to return to 'normal' socializing - For CNN by John Duffy
"Personally, I have done surprisingly well throughout the pandemic," one socially anxious client told me recently. "Of course, the Covid-19-related illness and deaths are awful. But personally, day to day, I feel much better, much calmer. If this feeling continues for years, that's more than fine by me."

 The U.S. Is Opening Up. For the Anxious, That Comes With a Cost. - For NY  Times by Matt Richtel
Even as he grieved the pandemic’s toll, he found lockdown life to be a respite.
“There is cognitive dissonance to feeling good in the middle of the pandemic,” he said.

Social Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19 - April Cox
Social distancing as a form of avoidance does not help an individual use proper coping skills when faced with situations that cause social anxiety.

Song Choice

iMi by Bon Iver, 2019

Celebrates “the comfort of familiarity” Album Review: Bon Iver’s ‘i,i’ - For Pitchfork by Zack Rustin

Reflects Justin Vernon’s struggle with anxiety and self-doubt.

In the fall of 2016, after dealing with crippling anxiety and depression, he “took a couple months off drinking, got into therapy, got on medication.” iMi Genius