This is the next of several film short reviews from this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival (13-23 Aug).
Mary The Widow (Ryan Noufer, 2026)
Mary (Julie Ariola) has been lonely since the death of her husband, so daughter Penny (Jean Villepique) suggests, firmly, that she gets back in the dating pool.
It’s the 2nd Annual Widow Speed Dating event – a chance to have a 3 minute chat with each eligible man before moving on. This is America, so they do things differently here.
We see Mary set against some truly awful dates including a boastful rich man, a colossal bore, a would-be sugar baby. Eventually a man more of her match takes a seat.
Writer/director Ryan Noufer draws out the pathos in the situation and the awful, empty chasm of grief. Ariola’s performance is lovely throughout, from her first moments of confusion and embarrassment to the drive home.
Stephen Tobolowsky offers strong support and genuine warmth as Ed, and if you have lost a spouse, or even a parent, Mary The Widow will definitely give your heart a big warm hug.
Peripheral characters are well-defined while the setting never feels forced or ridiculous.
Mary The Widow is part of this month’s HollyShorts Film Festival.