Screenplay review: If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine

Reading If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine was like rediscovering the unique magic that only a fresh voice in screenwriting can bring. Riya Agarwal’s debut screenplay is brave, personal, and brimming with moments that tug at your heart and make you laugh—and occasionally wince. The story follows Niki, a thirteen-year-old girl living in a sleepy beach town, as she embarks on a journey to watch an R-rated movie that she believes will show her “how people make kids.” What starts as a quirky, lighthearted mission quickly grows into something deeper, revealing the fragile line between innocence and maturity that many young people confront all too suddenly.

The screenplay’s setup is simple yet brilliant. When Niki’s older brother, Adam, casually mentions that the secrets of adulthood can be found in American Pie, Niki’s curiosity sends her on a mission. The premise is funny on the surface, but Agarwal gives it surprising depth, using humor to explore the uncomfortable reality that innocence can vanish in a single moment, with no warning or preparation. The story’s humor is sharp and natural, with dialogue that feels true to life, especially among teens. When Niki tells Adam she “wants to go to hell” and he fires back, “That’s where Mom got you,” we immediately feel their sibling bond—a mix of snark and support that anyone with siblings will recognize.

Agarwal skillfully balances humor with more delicate, personal themes, a rare accomplishment for a first-time screenwriter. It’s clear she’s not afraid to take risks, and it’s this bravery that makes her story so engaging. Niki’s friends are colorful characters who bring warmth and authenticity to her journey; from Trina, the glamorous “teen queen,” to Mekhola, the edgy goth friend who’s always ready with a laugh-out-loud one-liner. Their interactions feel familiar and nostalgic, like flipping through a scrapbook of one’s own teenage memories. These scenes add moments of levity that counterbalance the story’s heavier undertones, allowing the reader to feel both entertained and deeply moved.

One of the most striking aspects of the screenplay is how Agarwal handles the characters’ relationships, especially between Niki and the adults in her life. Her relationship with Obi, the “cool uncle,” brings a layer of tension that’s hard to shake. Obi wants to be the fun adult, but at times his involvement feels like he’s edging too close to the line. There’s a scene in his room that feels unsettling in a way that lingers, adding complexity to the story’s exploration of boundaries and trust. Agarwal doesn’t back away from these challenging dynamics, and her willingness to lean into the uncomfortable parts of growing up is a testament to her sensitivity as a writer.

The pacing is spot-on for this story, carrying Niki from one laughable mishap to the next, and then surprising the reader with moments that hit close to home. Agarwal’s clever, rhythmic dialogue keeps the flow natural, and each scene builds beautifully on the last. The setup in the DVD store, for example, is a great example of her style: when Niki and her friends finally get their hands on the coveted American Pie DVD, there’s a sense of triumph—but just as quickly, we’re thrown into a chase scene when the store owner shows up. It’s unexpected, funny, and adds a layer of tension that feels both thrilling and genuine.

Beyond the coming-of-age theme, this story has a brave heart. You can feel Agarwal’s own experiences and sensitivity woven through each scene, from Niki’s innocent misconceptions to her interactions with her family. It’s rare to find a screenplay that captures adolescence with such tenderness and humor, while also addressing the uncomfortable side of growing up in a way that feels so true to life. There’s a personal touch here that only a writer drawing from real feelings could bring - a quality that’s especially exciting to see in a new screenwriter’s work.

If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine is a testament to the power of a first screenplay. Agarwal doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, and her courage in telling a story that’s both funny and unflinchingly honest about innocence and experience makes this a truly memorable read. This screenplay will speak to anyone who’s faced the confusion of adolescence head-on, whether as a teen or a parent, and it’s a piece that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. Riya Agarwal is a fresh voice to watch, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to explore these themes in her future work.