Watch The Short History of the Long Road

The Short History of the Long Road is a 2019 indie drama film that tells the story of Nola (played by Sabrina Carpenter), a teenage girl who has spent most of her life on the road with her father, a nomadic odd-jobber. When her father passes away abruptly, Nola must navigate life on her own and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The film opens with Nola and her father, Clint (played by Danny Trejo), living together in a van and traveling from one project to another. Nola is content with this way of life and has grown accustomed to living off the grid, but her father's sudden death from a heart attack changes everything.

The rest of the movie follows Nola as she sets out to find her estranged mother, who abandoned her as a child, in hopes of finding a place to call home. Along the way, Nola meets a variety of people, including a kind truck driver and a woman who runs a mobile home park. These interactions help Nola learn more about herself and figure out what kind of life she wants to lead.

Maggie Siff plays the role of Nola's mother, who left when Nola was young to pursue her own dreams. When Nola finally tracks her down, she discovers that her mother is living a very different kind of life than she imagined. As Nola gets to know her mother, she begins to understand why she left and learns more about herself in the process.

Throughout the film, Nola struggles to find her place in the world. She misses her father terribly and finds it hard to let go of their old way of life. However, as she meets new people and learns new skills, she discovers that there's more to life than just surviving. She begins to embrace her own desires and ambitions and realizes that she has the power to create a life for herself that she can be proud of.

Sabrina Carpenter delivers a powerful performance as Nola, capturing the character's resilience and vulnerability with authenticity. Danny Trejo brings his trademark presence to the screen as Nola's father, and Maggie Siff is convincingly conflicted as Nola's estranged mother. The supporting cast is also strong, with each character Nola meets adding a new layer to the story.

The Short History of the Long Road is a thought-provoking exploration of grief, family, and identity. It's a poignant coming-of-age story that offers a real glimpse into the life of someone who has grown up on the road. The film's striking cinematography and evocative score help to create a sense of intimacy and realism that draws the audience in.

Ultimately, The Short History of the Long Road is a heartfelt and rewarding film that tells an important story about finding your own way in the world. It's a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of their place in the world, and it's definitely worth a watch.

The Short History of the Long Road is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 60.