There are plenty of great golf movies throughout cinematic history, with the subgenre of sports entertainment coming back in a big way this year. From Apple TV+’s comedy series Stick to the release of Happy Gilmore 2, the sport is getting plenty of attention across both movies and TV shows. Adding to these wider releases is The Short Game, a coming-of-age tale about high school student Jeremy Avery who wants to go to college on a golf scholarship. However, he’s also often taking care of his autistic little brother, Ethan, much to his chagrin.
As he’s navigating his responsibilities as both an older brother and a hopeful college golf player, he’s forced to grapple with just how much both responsibilities weigh on him. However, Jeremy soon learns that Ethan is incredibly talented at helping him improve his skills on the course. His older brother doesn’t always see it this way, though, leading to conflict between the pair. Along for the ride are Jeremy’s friends, Tommy and Carly, who support him in various ways, but also point out when he’s wrong. This results in a layered story about friendship, loss, and pursuing one’s dreams.
The Short Game’s Determined Characters Are The Real Heart Of The Story
Jeremy Is The Sun In A Universe Of Characters Finding Their Places In The World
What I appreciated the most about The Short Game is that, as a coming-of-age movie, it managed to blend interesting characters alongside its compelling focus on golf. Jeremy’s frustration at having to watch over Ethan while not seeing the value his brother’s insight can bring to his dreams was a realistic portrayal given his gruff atтιтude. But watching him evolve throughout the movie and the arc he goes on shows his true colors. The events and struggles he’s forced to grapple with are true to life, as is the way these events change him.
Ben Krieger’s performance as Jeremy is perfect, matched by Ethan actor Owen Himfar. The pair play off one another well, making for a very realistic brother dynamic that helps to elevate the movie and its premise. Of course, the supporting cast is also fantastic, with Emma Parks’ Carly and Tyler Lofton’s Tommy being stellar as Jeremy’s friends, who both uplift and clash with him at various points during the journey. Adyn Alexander is also a standout as Bruce Bennett, Jeremy’s rival, and has plenty of memorable moments of his own during their clashes.
While there are plenty of notable events which define the movie’s progression, including one that tugs at the heartstrings, it’s presented on a small, personal scale.
These characters bolster an uplifting yet realistic story as Jeremy navigates his pᴀssion for golf and his frustrations when things don’t go his way. Instead of falling into the trappings of other teen drama films that overemphasize the problems he faces, The Short Game‘s approach is tempered. While there are plenty of notable events which define the movie’s progression, including one that tugs at the heartstrings, it’s presented on a small, personal scale that makes every moment of triumph and failure more intimate.
The Short Game’s Best Attribute Is The Relationship Between Its Lead Brothers
Jeremy & Ethan Are The Twin Hearts Of This Sports Drama
This closeness mostly radiates from Jeremy and Ethan’s relationship and how it evolves as the former pursues his golf dreams. Despite seeing his little brother as nothing more than a nuisance, Ethan’s skill at being able to predict exactly how to approach every hole makes him a trustworthy ally. It’s also what the brothers’ relationship hinges upon in the story. There’s mixed emotions as it unfurls, from Jeremy acknowledging his brother’s talents to not wanting his help because of his pre-ordained negativity toward him. As their relationship develops, it convincingly connects them in a fitting manner.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that come with their brotherly bond, though. Ethan’s autism makes it hard for Jeremy to connect with him, even though – as he says multiple times across the film – he does love him. The navigation between their views on the world and how they can lift one another up makes the movie a sparking, hopeful triumph. Jeremy’s dream and the way it intersects with Ethan’s involvement creates memorable moments that tug at the heartstrings, even offering a tearjerker or two.
With the brothers’ relationship being the most important part of this sports drama, The Short Game is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age tale about the pursuit of happiness through one’s dreams. While golfing is the focus, it’s a vehicle used to explore Jeremy’s life decisions, his relationship with Ethan, and the future he wants to build for himself. It’s a perfect blend of high-stakes drama with engaging characters and many hopeful moments, all making this golf movie a hole in one.
