The doctor is in. And she’s ready to knock heads.

Actress Lana Gautier, who’s charmed audiences worldwide as the clever and perky expert-on-everything Dr. Juliana Grimaldi in the comedic series “Ask Dr. Juli” will be taking her doctorate degree to the big screen. Only this time, no one will be laughing.

Gautier has been tabbed to play an inquisitive psychiatrist known only as Dr. Richmond in the upcoming short dramatic film “Crux.” The film also stars Sam Wiser as her troubled and twisted patient Jacob.

“I’m thrilled,” Gautier said when asked about her take on the film. “The script is fantastic and the story is gripping. I can’t wait to start shooting and I can’t wait for everyone to see the finished product.”

Director Ankush Khemini is thrilled as well, sending rave reviews to his newly minted leading lady.

“I was really blown away with your audition and how you managed to take the lines and form a version of Dr. Richmond that is…believable,” Khemini told Gautier in an e-mail offering her the role. “There were a lot of great things going on in your audition… I think working with you will be a really great opportunity…”

Shooting is scheduled to begin April 16th in Orange, California. No release date has been set.