The romantic comedy is unique in that it is a genre that could be considered spoiler-proof. The audience generally knows where we’re going to end up, and the film has to prove it’s a journey worth taking. In this respect, Long Story Short delivers. Written and directed by Josh Lawson (House of Lies, Thank God You’re Here), this Australian film takes a simple and well-worn premise, gives it a local flavour and makes it shine. With the help of some cracking chemistry between his two leads, some solid laughs, and a genuine tenderness at its heart, Long Story Short isn’t always consistent, and is a little too heavy handed with its message, but has all the charm, comfort and catharsis a good rom com needs.
Teddy (Rafe Spall) is a serial procrastinator, having taken years to propose to his long-time girlfriend Leanne (Zahra Newman), and is reluctant to make any firm future plans. After a bizarre encounter with a stranger (Noni Hazelhurst), Teddy wakes up the morning after his wedding to find a year is passing by every few minutes. Witnessing his life in fast forward, he must confront his biggest flaws and fears to try and get back what is quickly slipping away.
A man learning that he needs to spend more time with his loved ones and less time at work is not a particularly original concept, but Long Story Short keeps it interesting by its earnest and compassionate approach. The jokes are never mean spirited or cynical, nor do they rely on easy gags about the changing future or references to current events. Instead, the laughs, as well as the drama, come from the dynamics between the close-knit cast. They sell the story all the way through—even when things don’t completely hang together.
In the lead role of Teddy, Rafe Spall is captivating. It would be easy for the character to become grating or difficult to root for, but his nuanced and endearing performance wins the audience over quickly. His love for Leanne is always believable, though Zahra Newman doesn’t make this difficult. She brings an authentic centre to the relationship, as he becomes more confused and desperate. With the difficult task of portraying ten years of Leanne’s life, most of it unseen, Newman remains grounded and utterly charming throughout, though I do wish her inner world was given more depth.
There is a chaotic, frantic energy to much of the movie which at times gets a bit intense, especially as some of the interactions between Teddy and Leanne become increasingly antagonistic. When the movie allows itself to slow down, that’s when it really sings. While most of the best moments take place between the central couple and their daughter, Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians) as Teddy’s best friend Sam is the real show stealer. He gets some of the biggest laughs, but his more dramatic scenes pack an emotional punch that help make the message poignant. Making sure you get the most out of life may be a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less resonant, and Lawson’s solid script and affectionate direction really gets you to care about these people.
Long Story Short doesn’t always work. There’s a lot about the characters that feels unexplored, the pace is inconsistent, and not all of it lands. Despite some missteps, the film keeps you invested by the truly endearing relationships it presents, whether between lovers, friends or family. It might not become a classic, but there’s enough charm here to make this little gem well worth your time.
Long Story Short opens on Thursday
HEART-WARMING 3.5 stars
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