Watch Long Story Short
- PG-13
- 2008
- 54 min
Long Story Short is a romantic comedy film directed by Josh Lawson and released in 2021. The movie tells the story of Teddy, a man who finds out that he only has one day to live and tries to make sense of his life before his time is up. Teddy, played by Rafe Spall, is a hapless man in his thirties who can't seem to get his life together. He's engaged to his girlfriend, Leanne (Zahra Newman), but he can't seem to commit to her fully. He's also stuck in a dead-end job as a video editor and has a strained relationship with his father, played by Noni Hazlehurst.
One day, Teddy visits a fortune teller (Dena Kaplan) who tells him he has only one day to live. From that moment on, Teddy is forced to rethink his life and make amends for his mistakes. He relives the past seven years of his life at an accelerated pace, waking up each morning with memories of the previous day but with the knowledge that he's running out of time.
As Teddy tries to make sense of his life, he discovers that he's been selfish and has neglected those closest to him. He tries to fix his relationship with Leanne, reconnect with his father, and do something meaningful with his life. Meanwhile, he has to deal with the fact that he's going to die, and he only has limited time to say goodbye to those he loves.
The movie has a unique premise that presents an opportunity to explore the themes of love, loss, and regrets. It's a poignant and emotional story that will leave you contemplating your own life and the choices you've made.
Rafe Spall delivers a strong performance as Teddy, capturing the character's desperation and confusion as he tries to come to terms with his mortality. His chemistry with Zahra Newman, who plays his girlfriend Leanne, is authentic and believable, making their love story all the more poignant. Noni Hazlehurst is also fantastic as Teddy's estranged father, adding depth and nuance to their relationship.
The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the humor falls flat, and the pacing can be slow at times, making the movie feel longer than it actually is. The film has a message that is sometimes hammered home a little too forcefully, and some of the plot twists feel contrived.
That said, Long Story Short is a charming and meaningful romantic comedy that will leave you with a smile on your face. It's a well-intentioned film that delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the people in our lives. If you're looking for a feel-good movie that will tug at your heartstrings, Long Story Short is definitely worth a watch.