Burdened (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Burdened is a 14-minute family drama about Dakota, a 19-year-old confronting grief and sudden responsibility after her mother falls into a coma. With her younger brother Zach needing care, Dakota must weigh her family’s needs against the future she has put on hold.

Burdened is a 2026 drama and family short directed by Conor Forrest. The 14-minute film centers on Dakota, a 19-year-old whose life changes after a tragic car crash leaves her mother in a coma.

As Dakota becomes the primary caregiver for her younger brother, Zach, she faces responsibilities that arrive before she is ready for them. The story focuses on grief, guilt and the difficult question of how much a person can sacrifice for family without losing sight of their own life.

Burdened movie details

Story without spoilers

After their mother is left in a coma following a tragic car crash, 19-year-old Dakota must take on the role of primary caregiver for her younger brother, Zach. Zach is a young boy struggling with severe ADHD, adding further pressure to Dakota’s new responsibilities.

While trying to support Zach, Dakota is also dealing with grief and guilt, alongside the stalled future she had been pursuing. Burdened follows her as she considers the limits of what she can give and whether caring for her family requires her to abandon herself entirely.

What to expect

Burdened is presented as a compact drama with family-focused subject matter. Its short 14-minute runtime suggests a concentrated story built around Dakota’s emotional and practical responsibilities rather than a broad, extended narrative.

The premise places grief, caregiving, sibling responsibility and interrupted plans at the center. The film’s family classification also indicates that its primary focus is the bond and pressures within Dakota’s household.

Cast and creative team

Laura Afelskie plays Dakota, with Jack Greig as Zach. The cast also includes Ellie O’Brien as Jessica, Logan Nicholson as Caleb, Suzanne Miller as Ms. Williams, Dalia Yegavian as Suzy and Ryan Bannon as Doctor.

Conor Forrest directs Burdened and co-writes it with Darcy Wilder Smith.

• Laura Afelskie as Dakota
• Jack Greig as Zach
• Ellie O'Brien as Jessica
• Logan Nicholson as Caleb
• Suzanne Miller as Ms. Williams
• Dalia Yegavian as Suzy
• Ryan Bannon as Doctor

Release and production context

Burdened is listed as a 2026 release, with a release date of September 26, 2026. It has a runtime of 14 minutes and is classified as a Drama and Family title. The spoken language is English. Production is credited to ArtMania Films, Little Cat Pictures and LetterFIFTY Productions.

Production companies: ArtMania Films, Little Cat Pictures, LetterFIFTY Productions

Movies Dock view

With its short format and focused premise, Burdened places one young caregiver at the center of a family crisis. The film’s story is shaped by Dakota’s competing responsibilities, her brother’s needs and the future she is struggling to protect.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb