Austin Film Festival Short Feature Review: ‘The Understudy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Tom Rooney as Tom in Peter Pasyk’s THE UNDERSTUDY. (Photo Courtesy of The Understudy Film.)

When we think of the theater, we think of the experience. Of how much fun it is to dress up a bit and enjoy a fine dinner before settling in to enjoy a lovely play. One where we will be whisked away to another world by talented actors that give us quite the moving show, before heading home for the night, pleased at our experience, and well… it makes sense as to why that is all we think about. For we only know what we see in front of us, and haven’t a clue that behind the scenes, putting on a play is a massive undertaking. For the light must be right, everyone has to work seamlessly together to make sure every moment is pulled off correctly, and we definitely don’t see how much work the actors put into getting this just right.
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Because many consider theater to be acting at its purest. Where a thespian must lose themselves in the moment, and for proof… just listen to the industry’s greats. For so many will speak to how they cut their teeth on theater and learned their craft with every repeat performance of the play they were in. Which means that above all, plays mean the most to the actors that take the stage. For it is their lifeblood, and it is the moment in which they truly get to shine, and it could get them discovered and onto movies and television and well… this is top of mind today, simply because a short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival, expressed that meaning to the audience. Which makes The Understudy a fascinating film.

For this particular tale introduces us to an actor named Tom who would love for his chance to be in the limelight. But he is but the understudy to the star of a hit play. A star that never misses his call time and that means that Tom can only dream of the moment when he can step out onto the stage and wow the crowd with a meaningful performance. But on this fateful day, with his granddaughter no less, the call comes through. For the star won’t make it, and well… that prompts Tom to bring his granddaughter along to prepare for the biggest night of his life. Where he will finally take the stage and relish in pure acting the and the wonder of the crowd. Provided of course… he can get over his nerves and that the chaos that has resulted from an interrupted norm, doesn’t cause any hiccups in his push to slip into character.

Which is… the perfect way to explore the power and the wonder of acting and of theater. Since this fast paced short really does go behind the scenes to show how a play comes together and the insane amount of work that goes into that. But more importantly, through some fine acting from Tom Rooney, who plays Tom, we learn about the majesty and the power of the craft. Of what it means to actors and how much effort and care they put into preparing for their role, in embodying the character and that alone… leaves the viewer in awe. For we learn here that that dedication is epic in nature, and that a dedicated actor will stop at nothing to make sure they are ready to put on the show of a lifetime and tap into something few of us understand.

All of which brings forth, just a compelling and engaging feature. Because once the call comes through, you are glued to the screen. Thanks to fast paced direction and fine writing from writer/director Peter Pasyk and through Tom’s riveting performance. For you feel as though you’re there, in the thick of it and celebrating in the awe of a life changing moment for Tom, and that’s special and it is all handled in a ‘less is more’ style. One that doesn’t require thought, it just requires you to open your heart and feel the moment. Which in many ways, makes this a cinematic play of sorts, one that boldly takes us behind the curtain, to discover the passion that goes into creating a singular, powerful moment, on our night out.

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