These days, the world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever, with trends, memes, and dance challenges taking center stage. But every so often, something comes along that cuts through the noise and reminds us what storytelling can truly be about. I’ll Be There is one of those thoughtful pieces. This short film, written, directed, and starring Chris Highlands, delivers a surprisingly poignant emotional experience. It dropped on YouTube in July 2024 and has already earned notable recognition—the Programmer’s Prize for Exceptional Filmmaking at Film Invasion LA. It’s not just another indie film—it offers a heartfelt glimpse into what it means to connect, even during life’s messiest moments.
Chris Highlands isn’t new to this game. Back in 2020, his first short film, Crystal Pines, premiered at The Big Apple Film Festival and the Stockholm City Film Festival. In 2023, he appeared in LaRoy, Texas, which screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. Those projects hint at his strong ability to tell meaningful stories. With I’ll Be There, though, Highlands has taken another step forward in his filmmaking journey.
The film’s setup is deceptively simple. A dad is sitting inside his baby’s crib, talking to her about life while texting his sister, who’s at their father’s hospital bedside. It’s a snapshot of a moment, but what unfolds is a meditation on parenthood, loss, and the small but profound connections that hold families together.
What really makes I’ll Be There work is how authentic it feels. Highlands’ performance as the dad is both funny and deeply vulnerable. He bounces between lighthearted anecdotes and heavier reflections on life and family, all while keeping the tone grounded. There’s humor—like when he jokes about being a great dancer after a couple of drinks—and then there are these beautifully tender moments that leave an impact. It’s the kind of storytelling that feels both raw and relatable.
Watch Chris Highlands’s short film “I’ll Be There” on YouTube: YouTu.be/-G8ZcBbRPIw
Visually, the film keeps it simple but effective. The cinematography by Preston Tyler Ward captures the cozy vibe of the nursery with a warmth that complements the story. The music, composed by Alexandre Côté, subtly underscores the film without ever overpowering it. And editor Landry Allbright allows the story to breathe, giving each moment enough space to resonate.
It’s not just the visuals and performances that stand out. The film’s themes—parenthood, family, and the mix of fear and hope that comes with both—are universal. Highlands’ dad character is both charmingly awkward and achingly sincere, and his reflections on life feel like conversations we’ve all had (or wish we had).
The timing of I’ll Be There aligns well with Highlands’ growing career. Alongside the film’s release, he had a role in A24’s Opus, directed by Mark Anthony Green and starring Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, and Murray Bartlett. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section, giving Highlands another opportunity to showcase his acting talent on a larger stage.
For Highlands, this isn’t just about career milestones. It’s about creating work that resonates. I’ll Be There serves as a testament to the power of small, honest stories and highlights Highlands’ ability to capture life’s messiest, most meaningful moments. As the film finds its audience online, it’s evident that Chris Highlands is an artist with much more to offer. Whether as a writer, actor, or director, he’s a storyteller worth following.
Published by Tom W.
