Sometimes short films just show up and tap you on the shoulder. The Trebek Technique is one of those: quirky, gentle, and surprisingly sweet in how it unravels its oddball story. Directed by M Damian Harris, this 15-minute Australian short follows Gracie, a girl recovering from a sports injury who gets some unorthodox life coaching… from Alex Trebek. Sort of.
The Answer Is: Wholesome, Weird, and Totally Unexpected
This is the kind of story where a sporting mishap spirals into something far more existential. And because this was early days for me reviewing, I remember thinking, “Is this what short films are normally like? Because if so, I might be in trouble.”
A Little Bit Ghost, A Little Bit Game Show
Gracie, played by Brydi Frances, is delightfully awkward and emotionally believable. As she tries to piece herself back together, she’s nudged along by a version of Alex Trebek in her head. Not literally the man, but an imagined guide who offers philosophical support via trivia show logic. It’s random, sure, but it lands. There’s something charmingly low-stakes about a story that doesn’t aim to terrify or devastate, but instead just wants to gently lift its protagonist out of a fog.
Elizabeth O’Callaghan appears as Doctor Williams and brings a nice balance to Gracie’s wobbly journey. The supporting cast, including Grace Quealy and Clare Pickering, rounds it out with sincerity.
The Kind of Script That Feels Handwritten
There’s a strong theatre vibe here. Dialogues feel crafted more than improvised, and the whole thing hums with stageplay rhythm. It’s a film that says: here are some ideas, take them home and unpack them if you like. It’s also clearly made with care. Even the IMDb trivia notes the director reused actors from another short film (Narrators), which adds a nice layer of collaborative continuity.
At only 15 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s the kind of short you want to show to someone when they ask, “What kind of stuff do indie filmmakers make in Australia?”
Final Thoughts
I reviewed The Trebek Technique early on in my film writing journey, and while I didn’t always know how to phrase things back then, I remember liking its kindness. It doesn’t try to do too much. It doesn’t have to. It’s a smart, strange, and heartfelt little piece.
I give The Trebek Technique:
3 trivia answers out of 5.
🎥 Film Details
- Director/Writer: M Damian Harris
- Runtime: 15 minutes
- Released: 2018
- Starring: Brydi Frances, Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Grace Quealy, Clare Pickering, David Hart
- Genre: Short | Drama | Comedy (ish) – Mother of Movies has loads of short films of all types here on the website. We recommend: Kiddo | The Tell Tale Heart or Australian-made Grounded.
📌 Notable / Worthy Trebek Technique Film Info:
- Features a fictionalized Alex Trebek as a mental projection.
- Shot in Australia with local cast, part of a growing indie short film circuit.
- Director M Damian Harris previously cast several of these actors in another short titled Narrators..
🌐 More Info & Where to Watch
While The Trebek Technique isn’t currently listed on JustWatch, you can learn more or reach out through:
- Official Website: https://www.thetrebektechnique.com
- IMDb: The Trebek Technique (2018)
- Instagram: @thetrebektechnique
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