Combining the best parts of Groundhog Day and putting a unique twist on that premise, Life Goes On features a tour-de-force performance from David Bradley. Best as known as Filch from the Harry Potter franchise, this veteran character actor brings something special to this short film as Bill. Coming to the end of his days only for a perpetual time loop to intervene.
With his only wish to be left alone and die peacefully, Life Goes On takes a poignant look at a topic that some might consider too tasteless for comedy. Faced with a constant stream of relatives after something before he leaves them for good, Danial Audritt and Kat Butterfield draw comedy from unexpected places as Bill experiences the same day over again.
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Featuring Jayne Aguire from Netflix smash hit Black Doves, and Maggie Steed last seen in Rivals on Disney+, Life Goes On conceals considerable talent above and beyond David Bradley. This might be a short that walks a tried and tested path reminiscing about mortality, exploring old age without the sugar-coating, and plucking poignancy from thin air, but it also embraces optimism.
Like Bill Murray in the original Groundhog Day, David Bradley shows the shifting sands of Bill’s emotional compass throughout this film without resorting to caricature. Taking advantage of the time loop to cause mischief, offer up some home truths, and finally experience an epiphany of his own. Above all, Life Goes On feels grounded, honest, and heartfelt with something fresh to say on aging.
The topic itself might be older than time, but this film succeeds in addressing universal truths for audiences starved of emotional honesty. It explores mortality head on, finds humour in the quiet moments, and highlights why David Bradley is such an underrated actor. A performer capable of conveying gallows humour without alienating an audience, he remains the beating heart of this short film until its final moments.
Life Goes On featured in The Raindance Film Festival