A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

67% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings

A failed writer (Bryan Greenberg) discovers unexpected beauty and richness in the marriage of his ailing parents (Linda Lavin, Harris Yulin) after he moves to Florida to take care of them.

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A Short History of Decay

Critics Reviews

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A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter Although more than a little meandering and self-indulgent, the film is likeable nonetheless due to its incisive characterizations and canny capturing of true-life moments. Jun 5, 2014 Full Review A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Nicolas Rapold New York Times While these loose ends might sound like scrambled bits out of an Eric Rohmer film, Mr. Maren's movie rather finds its groove in its humble domestic detail. May 15, 2014 Full Review A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (3) David Ehrlich The Dissolve [The] film desperately tries to mine sweetness from the banality of life's endgame, but the falseness of its bittersweet storytelling only accentuates the misery. Rated: 0.5/5 May 15, 2014 Full Review A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Zach Hollwedel Under the Radar There is nothing to inherently dislike in A Short History of Decay, but neither is there anything to love. Rated: 3/10 Aug 5, 2014 Full Review A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (5) David Noh Film Journal International Writer-director Michael Maren takes on a subject that is affecting baby-boomers all over the world...and he does so with a certain necessary seriousness and sensitivity. The problem here is that his film is neither very deep nor particularly moving. May 19, 2014 Full Review A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Christine N. Ziemba Paste Magazine The film flourishes when it moves away from a coming-of-age story to a more family ensemble piece. Rated: 7.3/10 May 14, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Shelly's character was the only one in gainful employment. The rest of the characters had bland back stories. Overall however, the story was cogent and spoke clearly about several human themes. Not any kind of comedy, it offered some understated moments of light humor. Nathan, the focus, had to work out the kind of woman that is good for him - something his folks knew all along. A film with real humility. Nice ending. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member I really liked this movie,it felt honest and simple.the ending was a little abrupt,but I think the director knew deep down the audience could figure it out. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member gr8 cast good com-dram Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was a sweet story with a perfect ending. Rated 3/5 Stars • Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Michael Maren's directorial debut may not be the most original of movies, but it does manage to avoid most of the normal cliches one would expect to find in a story like this. Linda Lavin is especially good in her role. Rated 3/5 Stars • Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member It's not bad, it's just rather clichéd, when it comes to the hipster-verse it tries to explore through the ordinary. Good effort for an an indie movie though. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews

A Short History of Decay

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Cast & Crew

Michael Maren Director Bryan Greenberg Nathan Linda Lavin Sandy Harris Yulin Bob Emmanuelle Chriqui Erika Benjamin King Jack
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Synopsis A failed writer (Bryan Greenberg) discovers unexpected beauty and richness in the marriage of his ailing parents (Linda Lavin, Harris Yulin) after he moves to Florida to take care of them.

Director
Michael Maren

Producer
Michael Maren

Screenwriter
Michael Maren

Production Co
Big Fan Films, Short History

Rating
R (Language|Sexual References)

Genre
Comedy

Original Language
English

Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 24, 2014

Runtime
1h 33m
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A Short History of Decay | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

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