Long Story Short – A Heartfelt, Hilarious Ode to Love and Friendship
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https://www.palacefilms.com.au/long-story-short
Date Reviewed: 02/05/2025
The 2025 HSBC German Film Festival kicked off in style with the Australian premiere of Long Story Short. Directed by David Dietl, this feel-good ensemble comedy is a masterful observation about love, friendship, and the messy entanglements that come with both.
A stellar cast brings depth to the chaos. Laura Tonke shines as Ellen, a woman entangled in an affair with the married Sebastian (Ronald Zehrfeld), convinced he’s her great love—until reality crashes in. Meanwhile, Rolf (Trystan Pütter) and Dina’s (Pegah Ferydoni) romance is moving where love blooms brilliantly—only to be cut short by tragedy. Pütter and Ferydoni deliver heartrending performances, capturing the fragility of joy and the ache of loss with devastating authenticity. The film deepens with Natalie (Jasmin Shakeri) and Maya (Katia Fellin), a couple strained by diverging dreams—Maya longs for children, while Natalie reluctantly agrees, only to drown in quiet resentment. Ellen’s journey takes a bittersweet turn when she realizes affairs can’t fill her void, and a chance encounter with Max (Henning Flüsloh), a man she could love but is also an attached father, leaves her torn between hope and fear.
At its core, Long Story Short is about the bonds that tie us together—and how easily they can fray. The film follows this tight-knit group over three years, reuniting at parties, weddings, and life milestones. What starts as light-hearted banter and champagne toasts soon gives way to betrayals, secrets, and emotional confrontations.
The genius of Dietl’s direction lies in how he balances comedy with raw, emotional stakes. One moment, the group is laughing over a ridiculous party mishap; the next, a devastating confession shatters the mood. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker side of friendships—affairs, jealousy, and deceit—but it also celebrates the enduring power of these relationships, even when tested.
Long Story Short also explores how love can emerge unexpectedly amid the chaos. Some characters stumble into relationships by sheer coincidence, as if the universe is nudging them together. Others chase love desperately, only to realize too late that they’ve been looking in the wrong places. The film beautifully captures the bittersweet truth that timing and honesty are just as important as passion.
With its sharp script and impeccable comedic timing, Long Story Short never feels heavy-handed, even when tackling serious themes. The social scenes are vibrant and immersive, making the audience feel like part of the group—whether clinking glasses in celebrations or awkwardly navigating a lonely silence.
Long Story Short is more than just a comedy—it’s a poignant, relatable exploration of human connection. The stellar performances, witty writing, and emotional depth make it a standout in German cinema. Whether you’re laughing at the absurdity of life or wiping away a tear at a heartfelt connection, this film is one worth watching.
Long Story Short was a perfect pairing as The HSBC German Film Festival opening night film - sparkling wine, Bavarian beer, and German treats set the mood for a movie that’s just as effervescent and satisfying. Don’t miss this gem on the big screen!
Reviewed by Irena Begelfor