Joey (Short 2020)

Detailed Summary

Early Despair and Routine

Joseph, a 50‑year‑old man living as a balloon‑selling clown outside a dilapidated seaside pier, seems utterly forgotten by the world—and by himself. The world has given up on him. He’s given up on the world.

Spark of Hope

Then Annie, a 45‑year‑old waitress at the local café, unexpectedly invites him on a date. Suddenly, life looks “magnificent” again, full of joy, promise, and delight—at least for a moment.

The Terrifying Reveal

As their connection deepens, Annie unearths a horrifying secret that Joseph is desperately hiding. This revelation shatters their fragile happiness, ripping both their worlds apart—and leaves Joseph seemingly with only one way out.

Movie Ending

Joseph’s hidden secret is revealed and it changes everything—lovely hope turns into a devastating fracture. Though the short is just 14 minutes long, it ends on a deeply emotional and tragic note: Joseph is left isolated, emotionally shattered, and pushed toward a dark, perhaps irreversible decision. The ending doesn’t tie things with a neat bow—it leaves you heartbroken. This is the point in the story when viewers suddenly understand how quickly life’s spark can fade once trust is broken.

Are There Post‑Credits Scenes?

There is no indication of post‑credits (or mid‑credits) scenes. Given its short format (about 14 minutes) and festival circuit focus, it’s safe to assume the film ends with the closing credits and no extra payoff follows.

Type of Movie

This is a drama, with hints of fantasy—a dark, emotional love story, set in a decaying seaside resort and filled with deeply human (and heartbreaking) moments.

Cast

• John Simm as Joseph (Joey)
• Andrea Lowe as Annie

Film Music and Composer

Composed by Robin Cowap, adding emotional and atmospheric depth to the story’s melancholic tone.

Filming Locations

Set against a long‑forgotten seaside resort with a crumbling pier, the location itself mirrors Joseph’s emotional decay and isolation. It’s not documented where it was shot, but the seaside town is practically a character—lonely, cold, and aching for joy.

Awards and Nominations

The short was nominated at NFF 2020—that’s the Norwich Film Festival 2020, giving it recognition on the festival circuit.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Written and directed by William Ash and Andrew Knott
• Starring veteran actor John Simm, with Andrea Lowe as his counterpart
• Cinematography by James Swift, delivering haunting, seaside visuals
• Produced by Kate Magowan, with production design by Elinor Birkenhead‑Jones

Inspirations and References

The film draws on the timeless archetype of the lonely clown and neglected seaside towns—a poetic, melancholic setting that has echoes in classical literature and art, though no specific references are documented.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No publicly available info on alternate endings or deleted scenes—likely unavailable outside the festival circuit.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book; it appears to be an original screenplay by Ash and Knott.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Joseph alone in costume by the pier—melancholy in every frame.
• The moment Annie asks him out—a spark in the gloom.
• The dreadful reveal of Joseph’s secret—shattering, abrupt, heartbreaking.

Iconic Quotes

Since the film is dialogue‑sparse and visual, notable quotes are not widely documented. The emotional weight is carried in the silence, glances, and context.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

No known Easter eggs or hidden nods—this short plays things straight, emotionally direct, and sparsely layered.

Trivia

• Runtime: ~14 minutes
• Premiered at the Warsaw Film Festival on 15 October 2020, later in the UK on 2 November 2020
• Recognized as a drama/fantasy short with a powerful, compact narrative

Why Watch?

Because it’s emotionally raw, beautifully shot, and traumatic in a way that sticks with you. If you want a short film that devastates and stays lodged in your chest, this is it. John Simm’s performance alone is reason enough.

Director’s Other Work

No widely known previous films by William Ash & Andrew Knott beyond this short—this seems to be their notable festival work.

Recommended Films for Fans

If you appreciated this short, you might also resonate with:

• Joker (2019)
• Perfect Blue (1997)
• All the Pretty Horses (2000)