Nothing Solid Review: An Earnest Film!

Nothing Solid is a semi autobiographical independent feature written, directed by, and starring Sharisse Zeroonian. Positioned as a dark medical comedy or “vom-com,” the film is notable for being the first feature-length narrative to directly address Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a rare and often misunderstood brain-gut disorder. Set in Massachusetts, the story places its focus on a young Armenian-American woman navigating adulthood while dealing with a chronic illness that refuses to be ignored.

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The narrative follows Nikki, a 25-year-old living with her parents, caught between familial expectations and her desire for autonomy. Her life is repeatedly interrupted by severe vomiting episodes, though it soon becomes clear that emotional stress and anxiety are key triggers. As tensions at home escalate and her sense of stagnation deepens, Nikki begins therapy sessions with a psychiatrist who encourages her to examine the connection between her physical symptoms and her emotional state. Through these conversations, along with strained interactions with her parents and awkward encounters in her everyday life, Nikki is forced to confront unresolved trauma, cultural pressure, and the fear of stepping into adulthood on her own terms.

One of Nothing Solid’s strengths is its commitment to being almost entirely dialogue-driven. Nearly every scene unfolds through conversation, whether it’s the exchanges between Nikki and her parents, the probing therapy sessions, or the more casual but revealing interactions with colleagues and friends. This is a bold structural choice, especially for her second feature tackling such a physically and emotionally taxing subject. The result is a film that feels intimate and confrontational, allowing the audience to sit inside these conversations and absorb their cumulative impact.

That said, the same dialogue driven approach that gives the film its intimacy also becomes its main limitation. For a feature that relies almost entirely on conversation, the runtime begins to feel stretched. Several exchanges linger longer than they need to, repeating emotional beats without adding new insight. At times, scenes feel like they are circling the point rather than sharpening it. This could easily have been a tighter 80-minute film, and the material would arguably feel more focused as a result. As a filmmaker clearly working through deeply personal material, this feels like part of the learning curve, knowing what to hold onto and what to let go at the writing stage itself.

The performances, while serviceable, also struggle under the weight of such dialogue heavy scenes. There is a noticeable theatricality in both delivery and staging, making certain interactions feel overly constructed rather than lived in. The dialogue often communicates its intent clearly, but the emotional subtext does not always land with the same authenticity.

On a technical level, the film shows the rough edges of an indie production. Audio mixing is inconsistent, with fluctuating gain levels and uneven dialogue normalization that occasionally pulls attention away from the scene. The color grading lacks cohesion, with mismatched white balance and exposure suggesting multiple camera profiles that were never fully harmonized in post-production. The visual palette shifts from scene to scene, creating a sense of discontinuity that undermines immersion.

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Despite these issues, the film’s core message resonates. The closing moments, anchored by the therapist’s line to Nikki, “If this new path is making you healthier and happier, then you need to prioritize what benefits you the most. Its your life, live it,” crystallize the emotional intent with clarity and compassion. Ultimately, Nothing Solid is an imperfect but an earnest entry. It’s ambition, vulnerability, and honesty outweigh its flaws, marking it as a meaningful step from a filmmaker with something personal and important to say. You can now learn more about ‘Nothing Solid’  from it’s official Instagram page.

‘Nothing Solid’ Rating – 2.75/5