Nothing Grows Here Poster

Nothing Grows Here 2016

17 min📅 2016-05-06

In *Nothing Grows Here* (2016), director Lauren Belanger crafts a quirky yet poignant short film about 11-year-old Rachel, who stumbles upon a baffling medical oddity: her heartbeat has mysteriously vanished.

Director: Lauren Belanger

Cast

T.J. McGibbon
T.J. McGibbon
Rachel
Nicolas Aqui
Charlie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Nothing Grows Here* (2016) about?

*Nothing Grows Here* follows 11-year-old Rachel as she discovers she no longer has a heartbeat. After encountering indifferent adults, she turns to Charlie, her determined homework partner, for help in uncovering the truth behind her unusual condition.

Who directed *Nothing Grows Here*?

Lauren Belanger directed *Nothing Grows Here* (2016), infusing the short film with a mix of dry humor and emotional depth.

Who stars in *Nothing Grows Here*?

The film stars T.J. McGibbon as Rachel and Nicolas Aqui as her resourceful homework partner, Charlie.

Is *Nothing Grows Here* (2016) worth watching?

*Nothing Grows Here* is a refreshing, offbeat indie short that blends comedy and drama. Though unrated, its unique premise and natural performances make it a worthwhile watch for fans of quirky character-driven stories.

How long is *Nothing Grows Here*?

*Nothing Grows Here* runs for 17 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Nothing Grows Here (2016) — A quirky comedy-drama about a girl with no heartbeat

In *Nothing Grows Here* (2016), director Lauren Belanger crafts a quirky yet poignant short film about 11-year-old Rachel, who stumbles upon a baffling medical oddity: her heartbeat has mysteriously vanished. With deadpan humor and quiet introspection, the story follows her as she navigates a string of unhelpful adults—a dismissive mother, a clueless doctor, and a bizarre spiritual healer—before finding an unlikely ally in her determined homework partner, Charlie. The film blends comedy and drama to explore themes of adolescence, isolation, and the search for connection, all wrapped in a surreal, offbeat tone.

Set against the backdrop of childhood curiosity and existential whimsy, *Nothing Grows Here* balances absurdity with emotional weight, making it a standout indie gem. Belanger's direction and the natural performances from T.J. McGibbon and Nicolas Aqui bring depth to this unusual premise, leaving audiences to ponder whether Rachel's condition is a metaphor for growing up or simply the universe's way of keeping things interesting.