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Short comedy drama

David (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

David (2020) movie poster

David is a 2020 short comedy drama directed by Zach Woods, starring Fred Hechinger as David, William Jackson Harper and Will Ferrell. It runs 11 minutes. Its Echo Score is 90/100.

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David (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
11 min
Director
Zach Woods
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is David About?

The premise of David without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

David needs help. So does David. A severely depressed man reaches out for an emergency therapy session. He’s not the only one who needs help.

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Cast & crew

David Cast & Characters

Fred Hechinger leads the cast as David, with William Jackson Harper as David and Will Ferrell as Therapist. Directed by Zach Woods; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in David

· 1 more
From the director

More from Zach Woods

One more film directed by Zach Woods: Bud.

Full filmography
Ratings

David Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 90/100, strongest in character & emotion (94) and weakest in rewatch factor (82).

90 /100

David Echo Score Breakdown

David is a tightly crafted short comedy that benefits from confident direction, solid performances, and a polished visual style. Reviewers consistently highlight the film's energetic pacing, effective use of a simple premise, and the chemistry between Will Ferrell and his co‑stars. The production values and witty script support a memorable viewing experience despite its brief runtime. Overall, the collective sentiment signals a highly enjoyable short that stands out in the festival circuit.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 92

    In terms of art and craft, the short is lauded for its confident direction and natural cinematography. Critics note the “beautiful photograph” of moments and commend the production quality as “fantastic.” Editing is praised for fitting a complete narrative into ten minutes without feeling rushed. These observations point to a highly skilled execution of visual storytelling.

  • Character & Emotion 94

    Character and emotion receive strong endorsement, with multiple reviewers citing “perfect character development” and “strong performances” from the cast. Will Ferrell’s turn as a therapist is described as both humorous and nuanced, and the supporting actors are noted for their seamless delivery. The chemistry among the trio reinforces the emotional resonance of the father‑son dynamic.

  • Story & Flow 88

    The story aspect is praised for its inventive premise and measured pacing within the short format. Reviewers describe the plot as “simple yet packed with stomach‑belly laughs,” and commend the surprising twist and witty scriptwriting. While some note a “weird and funny triangle,” the overall consensus is that the narrative remains coherent and engaging throughout.

  • Sensory Experience 84

    Sensory experience is highlighted by positive remarks on the natural cinematography and cohesive visual tone. The film’s sound design receives less direct commentary, but the overall production quality is described as “great” and “sophisticated.” The visual style supports the comedic tone, contributing to an immersive short‑form viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 82

    Rewatch factor is inferred from repeated praise of the film’s memorability and enjoyment. Reviewers call it a “must watch,” “fun,” and “memorable dramedy,” suggesting high replay value. While specific references to subsequent viewings are limited, the collective enthusiasm indicates lasting appeal for audiences seeking a short comedic burst.

Plot

David Plot Summary

What happens in David from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

David, William Jackson Harper, calls his therapist Will Ferrell to schedule an appointment after having suicidalmindful thoughts. During the session, a young man in a wrestler’s uniform runs up and bangs on the window, shattering the quiet moment. The therapist tells David to ignore him, but the intruder pushes his way inside.

Full summary

The whole story of David, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

David Trailers & Videos

The trailer of David.

DAVID by Zach Woods - Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know David?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the main character David in the film?

Details

David Also Known As

Also known as “Дейвід”.

Also known as
  • Дейвід

Seen David?

FAQ

David FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of David, each answered in a sentence.

How long is David?

David runs 11 minutes.

When was David released?

David was released on September 10, 2020.

Who directed David?

David was directed by Zach Woods.

More films by Zach Woods

Who is in the cast of David?

David stars Fred Hechinger as David, William Jackson Harper as David and Will Ferrell as Therapist, among 5 credited actors.

Does David have a post-credit scene?

No. David has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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