Céline Roustan
Content with the monotony of her life, her job and her deadbeat ex-boyfriend, Morgan is what you would describe as a “regular girl”, but her cheery little bubble is about to burst when she learns (on her father’s deathbed) that there is another Morgan. Written, directed and starring Alison Rich, at first The Other Morgan appears to be little more than a comedy with a heightened premise, but as the 14-minute short unfolds, a surprisingly charming depth and relatable narrative emerges.
Already established on the comedy scene, as both a writer and an actor (with credits that include SNL and ABC’s The Goldbergs) it comes as no surprise that the comedy element of Rich’s short is well written and expertly handled. Add into the mix a star-studded cast, including Mary Holland, Chloe Wepper and Jim O’Heir, and Rich went into production with an excellent foundation.
“The only way I can tell my worth is by putting it in the context of someone else”
When asked about what led her to this narrative, Rich confessed to a sin most of us are guilty of – at least to some extent – the “terrible habit of comparing ourselves to other people”. Explaining that “it’s like the only way I can tell my worth is by putting it in the context of someone else”, for comedic purposes she explores this sentiment with quite an insane set of circumstances that really push Morgan (#1) to her limits.
For a comedy, The Other Morgan truly has an emotional narrative arc. In so little time, Morgan, who doesn’t usually get any validation from other people’s lives, is confronted with two situations that would prompt most people to partake in that bad habit. Her reaction to a high school classmate’s success highlights this content side of her personality, making her downward spiral, as she starts comparing herself to the other Morgan, even more effective – emotionally and comically.
The two Morgan’s – played by Mary Holland (L) and Alison Rich
Through narrative and visual parallels and symmetry, the comparisons between the two Morgans (almost like Rich is pitting them against one another) is incredibly well brought to the screen. Be it through the performances, the screenplay and even the composition of the frames, everything leads the audience to compare the two Morgans from Morgan #1’s perspective. The fact that Holland is taller than Rich even visually accentuates Morgan #1’s loss of self-confidence. For authenticity, we even get the unhinged scroll on social media, which is the first stop on the compulsively comparing ourselves to others train.
Although over the top, in a pleasant and entertaining way, there are moments in The Other Morgan that work to ground the story emotionally and make it relatable – the film wraps on a charming note that reiterates how stupid it is to compare ourselves to others. Rich’s short film directorial debut, The Other Morgan had its world premiere at the 2021 edition of SXSW, screened at SIFF and has an upcoming screening at the Palm Springs ShortFest. Rich is now working on a new short and developing a TV series.