The Shape of Things

Adam, a student majoring in English Literature at Mercy College, leads a mundane life filled with classes and studying. His yearning for excitement reflects his socially awkward personality and the limited scope of his experiences.

Adam's life takes a drastic turn when he meets Evelyn, a captivating graduate art student, at the local museum where he works. This chance encounter sparks a newfound interest from Evelyn that flattens Adam, making him feel special for the first time.

Under Evelyn’s influence, Adam begins transforming his lifestyle. He adopts a rigorous exercise regimen and a healthier diet, switching from glasses to contact lenses, resulting in positive feedback from his friend Phillip and girlfriend Jenny.

As their relationship develops, Evelyn convinces Adam to undergo plastic surgery and to cut ties with Phillip, Jenny, and all his old friends. Adam, enamored by Evelyn, follows her advice, believing it will fulfill his desire for a fresh start.

Deepening his feelings for Evelyn, Adam decides to propose to her, excited about taking their relationship to the next level. Evelyn gladly accepts his proposal, further immersing Adam in the illusion of their love.

The climax reveals that Adam is nothing more than a subject in Evelyn's Master of Fine Arts thesis project. This shocking truth is revealed during her exhibition, where she shares her goal of reshaping someone's world, specifically Adam’s.

At the opening of her gallery, Evelyn publicly declares that she will not marry Adam, stating that the engagement ring was part of her art exhibit. This humiliates Adam in front of an audience comprised of students and faculty.

Devastated by her betrayal, Adam confronts Evelyn, seeking answers for her deceitful actions. Evelyn coldly responds that he should be grateful for the transformations she made, emphasizing her role in his newfound appeal.

In a chilling moment, Evelyn reveals that there was never a real relationship between them, emphasizing her manipulative nature and the lack of genuine affection throughout their time together. This realization hits Adam hard.

After his humbling experience, Adam is left alone, grappling with the consequences of his decisions. His former friends, Phillip and Jenny, condemn him for abandoning them, leaving Adam with a sense of profound isolation.

In a moment of introspection, Adam plays back a segment of an earlier camcorder tape that features Evelyn whispering the single truth of their relationship. As he rewinds the tape, he becomes trapped in the echoes of what he thought was a genuine connection.

The film concludes with Adam repeatedly rewinding the tape, trapped in his memories and the disillusionment of what he believed to be love. His pain is palpable as he realizes the depth of Evelyn’s manipulation and his own misguided hope.