WELP (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

WELP is a nine-minute Dutch drama from Abel van Essen about Nova, an aging figure moving through a deserted boxing gym as memories of friendship and Kyra surface. Set between the stillness of the present and sunlit fragments of the past, the short film considers masculinity, connection and the marks time leaves behind.

WELP is a 2026 Dutch drama written and directed by Abel van Essen. Running for nine minutes, the short follows Nova through a desolate boxing gym while memories from his earlier life begin to overlap with the present.

Its premise centers on friendship, masculinity and the lasting effects of time. Rather than offering a broad plot outline, the supplied synopsis frames WELP as a compact, reflective character study shaped by memory and emotional connection.

WELP movie details

Story without spoilers

The film follows Nova, an aging figure moving through a quiet, empty boxing gym. As he navigates the space, fragments of his past emerge, including memories of unconditional friendship and his profound bond with Kyra.

The contrast between the sunlit recollections and Nova’s present surroundings gives the story its central structure. WELP appears to focus less on external action than on how earlier relationships continue to shape a person over time, particularly in relation to friendship and masculinity.

What to expect

WELP is identified as a drama and has a concise nine-minute runtime, so viewers can expect a brief, focused film rather than an expansive narrative. Its premise points toward an introspective story built around memory, aging and personal relationships.

The boxing gym provides the film’s main setting, while the movement between Nova’s current world and memories of the past forms its narrative framework. The supplied details also suggest a restrained, contemplative tone, without establishing specific plot developments or an ending.

Cast and creative team

Abel van Essen serves as both director and writer. Noa Claassen plays Nova, the film’s central character. The cast also includes Ricky Sheridan as Julian, Keanu D’hoore as Keanu and Annick Heidema as Kyra, whose bond with Nova is central to the supplied premise.

• Noa Claassen as Nova
• Ricky Sheridan as Julian
• Keanu D'hoore as Keanu
• Annick Heidema as Kyra

Release and production context

WELP is a 2026 drama short from AVE Film Productions. It is listed with a release date of September 26, 2026, and a runtime of nine minutes. The film’s spoken language is Dutch. No production country is listed in the supplied information.

Production companies: AVE Film Productions

Reported production figures:
Budget $4,000

Movies Dock view

With its short running time and memory-focused premise, WELP presents a compact portrait of an aging man confronting the emotional traces of his past. Its emphasis on friendship, masculinity and time gives the film a reflective foundation while leaving the details of Nova’s story to the finished short.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb