Aaron Strand’s independent film, ‘Withdrawal,’ marks a significant milestone for the filmmaker as it prepares for its New York premiere at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival on June 6.
With a reported budget of $40,000 and a structure that emphasizes a do-it-yourself approach, the film tells a gritty story centered around the turbulent romance and addiction of its main characters, Viv and Jay, who struggle through a night of heroin withdrawal.
Having previously garnered attention at its world premiere during the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival, ‘Withdrawal’ impressed local audiences, achieving a sold-out first screening.
The overwhelming response at the Atlanta event led the festival to schedule a second encore screening, following a standing ovation for the cast and crew at the film’s conclusion.
Set in Athens, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, the film was produced with local actors and crew, emphasizing the communal spirit of independent filmmaking in the area.
Strand, who undertook the dual role of writer and director while also handling editing duties, draws from his personal experiences with heroin addiction to inform the film’s narrative.
After graduating from New York University in 2010, Strand’s journey took him through a challenging path that included homelessness due to addiction.
Determined to regain his footing in the acting industry upon returning to Georgia and getting sober, Strand faced a difficult decision as his initial efforts did not yield the success he hoped for.
“I had to choose between abandoning my dreams or pushing through the financial and personal challenges,” Strand reflects.
The ensuing decade became one of education and persistence for Strand, who attempted to produce another feature film but struggled to finalize it.
He describes that experience as a major learning opportunity, reinforcing his desire to create ‘Withdrawal’ with a clear vision of its ending.
Despite the confidence Strand had in his script, the process of bringing the film to life presented its own set of challenges.
Operating on a shoestring budget, Strand had to creatively navigate the limitations, often relying on favors from friends and family.
A significant portion of the film was shot in his mother-in-law’s house, where the setting depicted the characters’ active addiction, contrasting with a more serene environment by the film’s conclusion.
Strand emphasized, “That limitation can be an incredible spur of creativity.”
The film features a memorable and controversial scene depicting the horrific physical effects of withdrawal, which elicited a visceral reaction during the premiere.
Notably, the scene avoids graphic visuals while leveraging unsettling audio effects, which Strand humorously points out were sourced from a sound database under the title ‘Taco Bell shits.’
This brand of creativity, along with the dedication of the film’s team, is what Strand credits for transforming ‘Withdrawal’ into a reality.
The cast features local talents Brent Michal and Millie Rose Evans, whose performances anchor the film’s intense exploration of romance and addiction.
Cinematographer Emily Marquet’s work captures both the haunting and beautiful aspects of the narrative’s landscape.
As a genre-spanning film that blends elements of romance, comedy, and horror, ‘Withdrawal’ draws viewers into its compelling yet harrowing storyline.
While its $40,000 budget exceeds that of some local indie films, like ‘Meta Take One,’ which was made for under $5,000, Strand notes that it still qualifies as a micro-budget feature.
Despite the investment, Strand admits to not profiting from the film thus far, having chosen to use the budget to compensate his cast and crew.
“I understood the financial realities of making a fully independent feature in Atlanta,” Strand stated.
However, he acknowledged the rewarding nature of the process, saying, “As independent artists in Georgia, we are compelled to learn everything the hard way.”
Strand acknowledged the vibrant local film community, thanking established venues such as the Plaza Theatre and Tara Theatre, which have been integral to the Atlanta Film Festival and, consequently, to ‘Withdrawal.’
Chris Escobar, who operates the festival and both theaters, also served as an executive producer on Strand’s film.
The collaborative nature of this artistic circle is palpable; many cast and crew members are interconnected through local projects and shared experiences at screenings and film parties.
Actors like Brent Michal, who works at the Plaza Theatre, alongside Millie Rose Evans, an Athens native who premiered her short film in the same venue, exemplify the tight-knit network of filmmakers in Atlanta.
Strand’s connections through the film shaped a familial atmosphere, with mutual support evident in the collective effort to bring ‘Withdrawal’ to life.
“Everyone here gives themselves permission to pursue their passions, and they’re willing to help out on independent projects,” Strand expressed.
As for his future, Aaron Strand relishes the early successes of ‘Withdrawal’ but is eager to embark on his next creative pursuit.
“I may have not gotten a paycheck, but the urge to dive back into filmmaking is undeniable,” he concluded with a smile.
With an adventurous spirit, Strand seems ready for the next chapter in his filmmaking journey.
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