Greetings again from the darkness. The Sundance Film Festival does a terrific job each year of selecting captivating short films. One of the films in the lineup of this year’s shorts program on January 24, 2026 is from Swedish filmmaker Lovisa Siren, and it’s a gem.
Medea Strid stars as Esther, a young mother who must face the first separation from her child when she’s required to allow the child’s father Anton, played by Truls Carlberg, to spend one week with Kelly. The story was inspired by the director’s own experience as a young parent, and Esther’s emotions are palpable as she struggles to let go … as well as replacing the personal touch that she’s come to depend on.
It’s painful to watch Anton attempt to gently usher Esther away, and perhaps more painful watching her ultimately find the intimacy she craves – from a source she probably shouldn’t. This is a relatable and powerful story and Ms. Strid’s performance carries the ten-minute run time. The film also won the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Selected for Sundance Film Festival shorts program on January 24, 2026
Movie Reviews from the Dark 
Excellent reviews as always. Without Kelly is a film that I haven’t heard of until now but your review has given my a strong reason to check it out. Short films rarely appeal to me but this one does sound and look promising. I find the premise of the film relatable. Divorce is something I have had the misfortune of witnessing at an early age. It brought to mind the movie “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Released back in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie told a similar story of a single mother being separated from her child by factors of divorce. Without Kelly is a short film and obviously not on the same level as Kramer vs. Kramer. That being said, I will definitely check it out.
Here’s why I loved “Kramer vs. Kramer”: