Parents' Guide to The Short Game

Movie PG 2025 95 minutes
The Short Game movie poster: Ben Krieger and Owen Himfar's faces, above a zoomed-in image of a golf club and ball in the grass

Common Sense Media Review

Christie Cronan By Christie Cronan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Uplifting golf drama has positive messages, some language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Short Game movie: Ben Krieger swings his golf club
  • The Short Game movie: Owen Himfar lies in the grass with his left hand touching the top of it
  • The Short Game movie: Ben Krieger and Owen Himfar sit at a table to play Jenga

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

High school golfer Jeremy Avery (Ben Krieger) is determined to make his college scholarship dreams come true in THE SHORT GAME. But family pressure, caring for his autistic younger brother, Ethan (Owen Himfar), and other life hardships are weighing him down. If only Jeremy could see past his resentment and realize that, with Ethan's incredible gifts for remembering statistics and analyzing golfing conditions, the brothers could be an unstoppable force on the course. With the state championship on the line, Jeremy has to make a hard choice between achieving his personal dreams and standing by his little brother.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

More than just your standard uplifting sports film, this drama with Christian undertones offers a well-meant look into the complexities of supporting neurodivergent family members. The Short Game tees off a complex, sweet relationship between the brothers and boasts a memorable performance by autistic actor Himfar as Ethan. While some of the plot is a little far-fetched and some of the supporting characters are a bit uneven and underdeveloped, the relationship between Jeremy and Ethan feels genuine. Expect your heartstrings to be pulled by this feel-good golf drama.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of sports films like The Short Game. Why do you think audiences often love rooting for underdogs? How does this film compare to other sports movies you've seen?

  • How is autism portrayed? Do you think that Ethan's character is an accurate representation, or is he stereotyped in any way? How does Ethan compare to real-life autistic people you might know?

  • This film touches on the challenges, responsibilities, and dynamics that occur in times of family hardship. Why do you think Jeremy was sometimes angry and resentful? How do you think Ethan felt about how Jeremy treated him and the responsibility of caring for him?

  • How does Jeremy and Ethan's relationship evolve during the movie? Do you think that Jeremy ultimately made the right decision?

  • How do characters demonstrate compassion, empathy, humility, and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

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The Short Game movie poster: Ben Krieger and Owen Himfar's faces, above a zoomed-in image of a golf club and ball in the grass

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