Ciara Creedon looks to the future in her review of short film Linger.
How do you cope when someone you love is still physically with you, but completely unable to communicate? This question is thoughtfully explored in the short film Linger, directed by Jaro Waldeck.
The film’s protagonist, Eve (Catherine Byrne), grapples with a fascinating ethical dilemma. Caring for her unresponsive husband full-time, Eve discovers that revolutionary medical technology could change her situation. This medical product will restore her husband to full health for seven days, but after that, he will immediately die.
Linger effectively captures the loneliness of being a carer. Although Eve loves her husband, David (Nick Dunning), daily life is a struggle. She longs for her husband to be a true companion again and is haunted by memories of their past life together. Eleanor Bowman’s cinematography reflects the despair Eve feels. The house is portrayed as a prison – cold, sterile, and dull. The score, composed by Natasa Paulberg, creates a fitting sense of tension as Eve finds herself unable to ignore the draw of getting her husband back, despite the consequences.
The film also forces us to reflect on the importance of autonomy. When is it acceptable to make life-altering decisions for those who cannot decide for themselves? Catherine Byrne succeeds in portraying Eve as a complex character, deserving of sympathy but also flawed and selfish at times. Is she making this choice because she thinks it’s a kinder fate for David, or is it a completely self-serving decision? Should she tell David he’s going to die, or is it best to let him live out his seven days in blissful ignorance? Perhaps their relationship was not as perfect as it seems.
Fans of the show Black Mirror will find a lot to chew on; Linger is an intriguing and emotionally affecting watch.
Linger premiered at Galway Film Fleadh on 11th July 2026.
