As It Should Be (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

As It Should Be is a 12-minute Hong Kong family short set during a Lunar New Year reunion. The story follows Megan, who returns from abroad while quietly looking for acceptance within the expectations of family tradition, love and understanding.

As It Should Be is a 2026 Hong Kong short film built around a family reunion during Lunar New Year. At its center is Megan, who comes home from abroad carrying a private need for acceptance.

Written and directed by Edwin Lai Lok Yin, the film uses a brief runtime to focus on family tradition, personal belonging and the possibility of gentle understanding. It is presented in Cantonese and runs for 12 minutes.

As It Should Be movie details

Story without spoilers

During a Lunar New Year gathering in Hong Kong, Megan returns from abroad and finds herself navigating the expectations attached to family traditions. Although she does not openly state what she is seeking, her return is connected to a desire for acceptance. The story frames the reunion through ideas of love, family and quiet understanding.

What to expect

As a family short with a 12-minute runtime, As It Should Be is structured as a concise, intimate story rather than an expansive drama. Its setting—a Lunar New Year reunion in Hong Kong—places cultural tradition and family interaction at the heart of the premise. The available details point to a tender, understated tone centered on Megan’s emotional search for acceptance.

Cast and creative team

Edwin Lai Lok Yin is credited as both the writer and director of As It Should Be. No cast members are listed in the supplied information.

Release and production context

As It Should Be is a 2026 production from Hong Kong, with Cantonese as its spoken language. It has a runtime of 12 minutes and is associated with Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) and Cineoz Studios. The supplied release date is September 5, 2026, and the film is listed as released.

Production companies: Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music), Cineoz Studios

As It Should Be official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

Movies Dock view

With its compact format and focused premise, As It Should Be presents a family story shaped by reunion, tradition and the need to feel accepted. Its Hong Kong setting and Cantonese language further ground the film in the cultural context of its Lunar New Year gathering.

Film data:
TMDB