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Director
Ani Simon-Kennedy
Writer
Ani Simon-Kennedy
Stars
Sabrina Carpenter, Steven Ogg, Christina Nuki
Companies
Bicephaly Pictures, Astute Films, Hua Wen Movie Group
Released
2020-06-16
Runtime
1h 30min
Rating
16+
Genres
Adventure, Drama
Countries
USA
Languages
English
Awards
Awards, 3 wins & 3 nominations
Keywords
father daughter relationship,transient,living in a van,teenager,homelessness
RogerEbert.comMonica Castillo

There are gentle surprises in the tripโ€™s unexpected turns and setbacks, and thankfully, Simon-Kennedy knows where sheโ€™s going.

Chicago Sun-TimesRichard Roeper

With all the wonderful supporting performances, the true standout is Sabrina Carpenter, an actress-singer from TVโ€™s โ€œGirl Meets World,โ€ who infuses Nola with such heart and such authenticity and such resolve.

Movie NationRoger Moore

As homeless road pictures go, this is more โ€œPeanut Butter Falconโ€ than โ€œLeave No Trace.โ€ Dadโ€™s not in the picture long, but thereโ€™s a โ€œCaptain Fantasticโ€ element to the portrayal.

VarietyTomris Laffly

There is enough substance here to propel The Short History of the Long Road forward through its minor bends and speed-bumps. Most of all, it is Carpenterโ€™s restrained performance and air of wisdom, permeating the screen with an astutely soulful quality thatโ€™s tough to turn away from.

IndieWireKate Erbland

Itโ€™s not that darkness isnโ€™t a part of the film, but that The Short History of the Long Road approaches even the most tense interaction with a bent toward positivity in all people. Itโ€™s, in short, nice.

San Francisco ChronicleG. Allen Johnson

Even though the movieโ€™s engine sputters at the end, itโ€™s beautifully shot, the actors are fun to watch, and the story is decent in fits and starts.

The Hollywood ReporterKeith Uhlich

Like Reichardt's Wendy and Lucy or Granik's Leave No Trace, this low-key drama focuses on a regional American woman trying to sustain herself through rough economic and emotional times. It's derivative of both films, but, for a little while at least, not disagreeably so.

Giffoni Film Festival2021

2021 Nominee Gryphon Award for Generator +16, Ani Simon-Kennedy

Tribeca Film Festival2019

2019 Nominee Best Narrative Feature, Ani Simon-Kennedy
2019 Nominee Jury Award, Stu Pollard

Santa Fe International Film Festival2019

2019 Winner Jury Award, Ani Simon-Kennedy
2019 Winner Jury Award, Stu Pollard

ReFrame2021

2021 Winner ReFrame Stamp