Them That’s Not (2026)
Story overview
Them That's Not is a 19-minute family drama-comedy about Andrea 'Drea' Stoney, a queer Deaf poet who feels isolated at her grandmother's funeral gathering. Her distant family shows little interest in American Sign Language, deepening her sense of alienation. When her estranged father Samuel arrives—temporarily released from prison after 20 years to mourn his mother—Drea must navigate complex emotions as they attempt to reconcile their strained relationship before he returns to incarceration. The film explores themes of grief, family dynamics, communication barriers, and fragile reconciliation through a sensitive lens.
Parent Guide
A sensitive family drama exploring grief, reconciliation, and communication barriers through the perspective of a Deaf protagonist. While dealing with mature themes, it maintains a gentle, thoughtful approach suitable for family viewing with parental guidance for younger children.
Content breakdown
No violence depicted. The only peril relates to emotional tension between characters and the father's impending return to prison.
Mild emotional intensity surrounding grief, family conflict, and a parent's incarceration. Funeral setting and strained family dynamics may be somber but not frightening.
No offensive language noted. Dialogue appears respectful and family-appropriate.
No sexual content or nudity. The protagonist's queer identity is mentioned but not depicted romantically.
No substance use depicted.
Moderate emotional themes including grief over death, family estrangement, isolation due to communication barriers, and the tension of temporary prison release. Handled with sensitivity but may require discussion for younger viewers.
Parent tips
This short film deals with mature themes in a family-friendly way. Parents should know it portrays a character recently released from prison, explores feelings of isolation within a family, and depicts grief over a death. The Deaf protagonist's experience highlights communication challenges. While emotionally resonant, it maintains a gentle tone suitable for family viewing with guidance for younger children.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- How did Drea talk with her hands?
- Why was the family sad?
- What colors did you see in the brownstone?
- Why did Drea feel alone at the gathering?
- What was hard about Samuel coming back?
- How do you think Drea felt at the end?
- How does the film show communication barriers in families?
- What does the temporary prison release tell us about the justice system?
- Why might the title reference 'not belonging'?
- How does the film explore intersectionality (Deaf, queer protagonist)?
- What commentary does it make about familial obligation versus personal boundaries?
- How does the short format affect the storytelling of reconciliation?
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.