The Short Game review reveals why this 2025 sports drama masterpiece captures the essence of brotherhood and sacrifice. Frank Sanza’s heartfelt direction delivers profound insights into family bonds and personal growth through the lens of competitive golf.
What happens when you combine the pressure of elite athletics with the most powerful family dynamics imaginable? You get emotional perfection. The Short Game (2025), directed by Frank Sanza, stands as one of the most moving sports dramas ever made. This heartwarming film follows teenager Jeremy, a golf prodigy who must choose between a life-changing scholarship and supporting his autistic brother Ethan. While the movie operates on familiar sports movie territory, it succeeds because it never exploits its characters’ disabilities or struggles—every moment of growth and sacrifice is portrayed with complete authenticity.
Synopsis
Jeremy (Ben Krieger), a talented high school golfer with professional potential, initially dismisses his autistic brother Ethan’s (Owen Himfar) golfing abilities. As Jeremy prepares for the state championship that could secure his college scholarship, he faces devastating personal loss that forces him to reevaluate his priorities.
With the support of his understanding coach (Glenn Morshower) and his conflicted mother (Katherine Cunningham), Jeremy must decide between pursuing his individual dreams and standing by his brother who needs him most. The film follows the classic underdog sports story structure while exploring deeper themes of family loyalty, acceptance, and what it truly means to win.
Plot & Themes
The Short Game operates on a deceptively simple premise: sometimes the greatest victories happen off the course. The golf championship serves as the dramatic framework for exploring timeless questions about family responsibility, personal sacrifice, and the courage to make difficult choices.
The film’s genius lies in its authentic portrayal of autism and sibling relationships. When Jeremy struggles with embarrassment over Ethan’s condition, the movie never judges him harshly. These moments work because Sanza treats every character with dignity, allowing their flaws to make them more human rather than less sympathetic.
Thematically, the movie celebrates the transformative power of unconditional love while acknowledging the real challenges of caring for family members with special needs. Jeremy’s journey isn’t just about choosing between golf and family—it’s about discovering that true success means lifting others up alongside yourself.
Cinematography & Visuals
Director of photography captures the beauty of competitive golf with visual poetry that serves the emotional story perfectly. The cinematography emphasizes the contrast between Jeremy’s individual pursuit of excellence and the collaborative nature of family support, making his ultimate decision even more powerful through visual storytelling.
The film excels in intimate family moments. The sequences showing Jeremy and Ethan’s relationship evolution demonstrate perfect emotional framing. The camera holds on meaningful interactions just long enough to let the brotherly bond develop naturally without becoming sentimental.
Golf course sequences reward sports fans with authentic tournament atmosphere. During the championship scenes, attentive viewers will appreciate the technical accuracy of competitive golf while following the emotional stakes that matter most.
Acting & Characters
Ben Krieger delivers a breakthrough performance as Jeremy, transforming potentially clichéd sports drama dialogue into emotionally resonant moments. His portrayal of a teenager torn between personal ambition and family loyalty creates genuine conflict that feels authentic rather than manufactured.
Owen Himfar provides a nuanced portrayal of Ethan that avoids stereotypical autism representation. His performance ensures that Ethan emerges as a fully realized character whose golfing passion feels genuine and inspiring.
Katherine Cunningham brings maternal complexity to her role, avoiding the thankless supporting mother archetype. Her scenes with both sons demonstrate the realistic challenges of parenting children with different needs.
Glenn Morshower anchors the sports storyline as the understanding coach who recognizes that developing character matters more than winning tournaments. His mentorship feels earned rather than imposed.
Direction & Screenplay
Frank Sanza’s direction maintains perfect emotional pacing throughout the 96-minute runtime. Making his feature directorial debut, Sanza understood that family dramas require delicate balance between sentiment and authenticity. Every emotional beat is given space to breathe without sacrificing narrative momentum.
The screenplay by Sanza layers character development at multiple levels:
- Individual growth arcs that build naturally from established relationships
- Family dynamics that reward careful attention to behavioral subtleties
- Sports action that serves character development rather than dominating it
- Disability representation that feels respectful and authentic
The script’s structure follows sports movie conventions while subverting them through genuine character growth. This creates familiarity that makes the unexpected emotional moments hit even harder.
Sound & Music
The film’s score perfectly captures the dual nature of competitive pressure and family warmth. The music enhances dramatic moments without overwhelming the authentic performances, creating an emotional landscape that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The use of silence deserves special recognition. Key family moments are allowed to play without musical manipulation, trusting audiences to connect with the characters’ relationships through authentic interaction.
Sound design supports the golf sequences beautifully. The distinctive sounds of club striking ball and gallery applause create an immersive tournament atmosphere that makes viewers feel present for Jeremy’s crucial decisions.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Short Game succeeds because it respects both its subject matter and its audience. Every element—from performance to cinematography to sound design—works in service of authentic human storytelling without sacrificing entertainment value.
Strengths:
- Ben Krieger’s powerhouse lead performance anchors the emotional journey
- Authentic portrayal of autism that avoids exploitation or stereotypes
- Excellent pacing that builds to genuinely earned emotional conclusions
- Strong supporting cast that brings depth to every family relationship
Minor Weaknesses:
- Some sports movie conventions feel slightly predictable despite strong execution
- Limited exploration of the broader golf community may disappoint sports fans
This film remains essential viewing for sports drama enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates expertly crafted family storytelling. The Short Game works for audiences who enjoyed The Blind Side, Radio, or Wonder.
Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Frank Sanza
MPAA Rating: PG
Starring: Ben Krieger, Owen Himfar, Katherine Cunningham, Mackenzie Astin, Glenn Morshower
For more sports drama reviews, check out our analysis of other character-driven athletic films. You can also explore the film’s impact on disability representation at the Internet Movie Database.
