The Strength of Family Through a Child’s Eyes

Read Time:5 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Stand
–

Genre: Drama, Short Film
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Oanh-Nhi Nguyen
Writer(s): Oanh-Nhi Nguyen, Corey Pinchoff
Cast: Jovie Leigh, Kailen Jude, Nicole Santiago, Yuvi Grewal, Marvin Gay, Yataka Taylor, Sam Cass, Zane Haney
Where to Watch: shown at the 21st Annual HollyShorts Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: THE STAND is a deeply felt portrait of responsibility, resilience, and love. In just 14 minutes, Oanh-Nhi Nguyen crafts a story that feels both intimate and universally relatable, centering on Quinn (Jovie Leigh), a young girl who helps her mother run a hectic food stand. When her mother is unexpectedly pulled away, Quinn teams up with her younger brother Liam (Kailen Jude) to keep the business running, determined to make enough to give their mom something she rarely gets — a night off.

From the outset, the film establishes its stakes not through conflict, but through lived-in detail. The food stand isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the family’s livelihood, the core of their existence, and a physical representation of the sacrifices they’ve made. The decision to keep it open in their mother’s absence speaks to a shared understanding between family — an unspoken acknowledgment of what’s at risk.

Nguyen’s statement calls the film a “love letter to immigrant girls,” and that sentiment is embedded in every frame. Quinn embodies a reality that is both specific to her community and broadly resonant: children shouldering adult responsibilities out of necessity. The film doesn’t frame this as a tragedy, but neither does it romanticize it. There’s an honesty in how it depicts Quinn’s maturity — capable, resourceful, but still longing for the kind of carefree joy that should define her age. There’s a simplicity in the message that “gets me in the feels” just by writing this. Quinn shouldn’t have to shoulder this responsibility, but she does. She should be enjoying her childhood, her choir solo, and more, but she knows what family means and does what she can to accomplish both.

Leigh delivers a standout performance as Quinn, capturing the quiet determination of a girl who understands the stakes yet still holds onto her dreams. Leigh’s portrayal is understated, allowing the audience to see flashes of vulnerability between moments of capability. Opposite her, Jude as Liam adds levity and warmth, embodying the pesky-but-loving sibling dynamic that makes their family believable (that opening scene, specifically, is mesmerizing!). Together, they anchor the film with a chemistry that feels authentic in every way.

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its duality — the balance between burden and joy. Nguyen infuses moments of lightness into the story, most notably through Quinn’s love of singing. This connective tissue becomes a symbol of her inner world, a reminder that beneath her composure lies a child who still wants to dream. By the film’s end, it’s clear that this love of music is more than a hobby; it’s a small rebellion against the weight of responsibility, a declaration that she can be both caretaker and dreamer.

Nguyen’s connection to the material is apparent. Her background in documenting Southeast Asian refugees who turned to street vending after the war lends heart to the narrative. The story’s foundation in real experiences elevates it to a new level, lending it a sense of authenticity that extends beyond the screen.

The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed. Nguyen is aware of the limitations of the short form and utilizes them to her advantage, distilling the story to its essence. Every scene serves a purpose, whether it advances the plot, deepens character development, or enriches the atmosphere.

If there’s one area where some viewers might crave more, it’s in the exploration of the mother’s perspective. Her presence looms large over the film’s events, yet we only glimpse her through her absence and the actions of the siblings. While this choice keeps the focus on Quinn and Liam, a slightly deeper insight into the mother’s sacrifices could have added another dimension.

Still, THE STAND succeeds precisely because it knows where to place its emphasis. This is not a story about grand gestures or resolutions. It’s about the quiet strength of children who help to keep their families afloat, the way love and responsibility intertwine, and the unshakable bond between siblings. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s simply showing up, day after day, and doing what needs to be done.

By the time the credits roll, Nguyen has not only honored the experiences of young immigrant girls but also crafted a film that resonates well beyond that specific lens. It’s a story about family, sacrifice, and the moments of joy that make the hard days bearable. THE STAND may be small in scale, but its heart is anything but.

Nguyen’s choice to focus on a grounded, everyday struggle makes THE STAND stand out. It’s proof that even in under 15 minutes, a filmmaker can create something that feels whole, heartfelt, and profoundly human. As an aside, I think what pushed this short to perfection for me was the craft that was evident throughout. There were so many moments that I thought for sure “something” would happen. We've been conditioned to expect certain outcomes from certain situations, and this film sidestepped that in multiple ways.

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[photo courtesy of 271 FILMS, HILLMAN GRAD, INDEED]

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