By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"THE SHORT GAME" AIMS FOR THE GREEN, BUT HITS YOU IN THE HEART
Even if you don't know a bogey from an eagle,
"The Short Game," from director
Frank Sanza ("The Spirit of '76") is one of the most inspiring and entertaining faith-based sports dramas you'll likely see this year.
Ben Krieger ("The Floaters") stars as Jeremy Avery, a talented high school golfer determined to earn a college scholarship providing he wins the Texas State High School Golf Championship. But his path to success is anything but smooth. Off the course, Jeremy is carrying the weight of a household in transition.
His mother Lisa (Katherine Cunningham, TV's "Yellowstone") is recovering from cancer, his younger brother Ethan (Owen Himfar in a touching debut) is autistic and in need of constant care, and his father John (Mackenzie, TV's "Stick") is emotionally distant but stays laser-focused on Jeremy's athletic prowess. He knows his son has PGA potential.
Jeremy has several people in his corner, including his best friend Carly (Emma Parks, "Dirty Towel"), an aspiring filmmaker documenting his journey to greatness. Then there's Tommy (Tyler Lofton, TV's "The Pitt"), his quick-witted buddy who never runs out of encouragement.
Tommy believes that Jeremy's true ace in the hole might be closer than he thinks. It's his younger brother Ethan. If only Jeremy would take the time to truly connect with him. As it turns out, Ethan has a surprising intuition for the game, especially when they are out on the course together.
When tragedy strikes Tommy, Jeremy wonders if he can stay focused and continue playing golf. But he does.
As Jeremy prepares for the biggest golf tournament of his life, the pressure builds, and so does the emotional weight of his family's situation. His bond with Ethan becomes a surprising source of strength and clarity, shifting his perspective from personal achievement to something more lasting, meaningful, and beautiful.
Krieger brings a natural, grounded presence to the role, making Jeremy's emotional arc both believable and moving.
Astin and Cunningham deliver layered performances that reflect the complexities of parenting under strain.
In addition, Himfar's performance as Ethan is quietly commanding.
Rather than relying on predictable underdog sports tropes, "The Short Game" takes an even bigger swing. The film explores how Jeremy's sense of self is shaped not just by victories and setbacks, but by his evolving relationship with Ethan who, at first, feels more like a burden than a brother.
What begins as a source of frustration for Jeremy gradually becomes a catalyst for unexpected growth.
With a heartfelt message of perseverance, compassion, and faith, "The Short Game" avoids heavy-handed preaching and instead delivers a story with genuine emotional resonance. It also shows that sometimes the shortest game can lead to long-lasting life lessons.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Go Ahead And Watch This Trailer For
"THE SHORT GAME"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
