Let Dan Go (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

Years after the passing of Dan (Daniel Griesheimer), his father Harry (Timothy J. Cox) and girlfriend Abby (Ashlee Lawhorn) reconnect in order to deal with the loss. Let Dan Go is a heartfelt short that explores grief and the role it plays in shaping us. 

Lawhorn and Cox are names with which I’m incredibly familiar. I know what they are capable of, and it’s never surprising when they deliver meaningful, masterful performances. Lawhorn, however, may have outdone herself in Let Dan Go. Lawhorn was seemingly made for roles like Abby, where emotion is pertinent not only to the success of the character, but of the production as a whole. Her range is on full display in this film, as Cox’s script provides her opportunities that some other films haven’t. Emotional peaks and valleys consume this character, and with Lawhorn in the driver’s seat, every moment of Abby is captivating. 

Furthermore, Lawhorn and Cox have a chemistry that seemingly transcends what can be seen on screen. It’s clear why Cox wanted Lawhorn to star in his narrative creation—and it’s more than her own talent, but it’s this duo’s ability to work together so seamlessly. I believed every word each of these characters uttered throughout the course of Let Dan Go, but more importantly, I believed that they shared this trauma. 

In terms of the narrative, Let Dan Go doesn’t feel unfamiliar as a whole. However, I do feel that Cox has the wherewithal and cinematic knowledge to construct something that does set itself apart from those that have come before. 

A time jump is the primary component of the film that works to create separation between Let Dan Go and its contemporaries—and as much as it does its job, I found that abrupt shift created something of a lull in this short film (at least regarding my experience). I firmly believe that the sudden mystery that presents itself at the time of the linear shift is meant to act as something of an anchor for viewers, providing them more of a reason to remain present in the film. It’s likely that this will work as intended on a great many viewers, but I felt that the two-minutes or so in which I attempted to piece together the puzzle of who Harry and Abby were in relation to one another stole me away from the potency of Lawhorn’s emotional performance just seconds before. Nothing about this aspect of Let Dan Go is a dealbreaker, but it may fall flat for some viewers. 

By the time Let Dan Go had concluded, the heart and soul that Cox poured into his script was fully realized. There is no shortage of passion present in this film, and with Lawhorn and Cox the faces of this short drama, there was never a doubt that it would find success. Cox’s strength lies in developing powerful dialogue that plays naturally against the simplicity of the filming locations, and Let Dan Go hits all of the right emotional notes as a result. 

Directed by Arielle Carroll. 

Written by Timothy J. Cox. 

Starring Timothy J. Cox, Ashlee Lawhorn, & Daniel Griesheimer. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING