Rating: 4/5
Josh Lawson achieves a lot with ‘Long Story Short’, which manages to be an anxiety-inducing, yet funny and romantic reminder about the shrinking nature of time.
Teddy, a classic procrastinator stuck in a job he can’t make sense of, is handed a ‘gift’ by a wise old lady in a cemetery right before his wedding; a gift that shows him his next 10 wedding anniversaries in quick succession, reminiscent of both ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’.
Unable to escape the rapid passage of time, in which he experiences heartbreak, divorce, fatherhood, and most importantly, the realisation that his time is precious – Teddy comes to realise what is truly important.
Rafe Spall as Teddy brings dry and sarcastic humour to the film, while also displaying brilliant chemistry with his co-star, Zahra Newman, who portrays his vulnerable – yet fiercely independent – wife Leanne.
They are joined by Ronny Chieng as Sam, Teddy’s well-meaning and funny best friend, and Noni Hazelhurst as the nameless ‘witch’ who gifts Teddy with the wake-up call of passing time.
The supernatural aspect of the film comes across a little cheesy, but this is made up for with many bright and poignant moments, and an overall reminder that time is precious.
See Long Story Short at Event Parramatta.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.