The Greyness of Autumn Poster

The Greyness of Autumn 2012

★ 4.33 votes14 min📅 2012-12-28

In Chris Quick's tight 14-minute comedy The Greyness of Autumn (2012), a Scottish ostrich named Danny McGuire faces an unforeseen mid-life spiral when a double blow—losing his job and his girlfriend in the same day—drops him into an existential funk.

Director: Chris Quick

Cast

Duncan Airlie James
Duncan Airlie James
Danny McGuire (voice)
Amy Ebbutt
Katie
Steven Patrick
Mr. Jenkins
Chris Quick
Chris Quick
Nelson (voice)
Andrew O'Donnell
Jimmy Guinness
Neil Francis
Neil Francis
Barry
Euan Cuthbertson
The Interviewer
David Marshall
Kyle
David R. Montgomery
Restaurant Manager
Dave Cullen-Wills
The Mugger

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Greyness of Autumn (2012) about?

The short comedy follows Danny McGuire, an ostrich working in Scotland who loses both his job and his girlfriend on the same day. Struggling to redefine himself in a dismissive world, Danny confronts harsh truths about how society views him—and whether life holds any meaning when no one sees past the surface.

Who directed The Greyness of Autumn?

The Greyness of Autumn was directed by Chris Quick, who also appears in the cast.

Who stars in The Greyness of Autumn?

Lead roles are played by Duncan Airlie James as Danny McGuire, with Amy Ebbutt, Steven Patrick, Chris Quick, Andrew O'Donnell, and Neil Francis rounding out the cast.

Is The Greyness of Autumn (2012) worth watching?

Though it's a short film and unrated on IMDb, its sharp wit and tender heart make it a standout in the comedy genre. Fans of clever, character-driven satire will appreciate its concise storytelling and emotional punch packed into just 14 minutes.

How long is The Greyness of Autumn?

The Greyness of Autumn runs for 14 minutes.

About The Greyness of Autumn (2012) — A 14-minute comedy about identity and invisibility in modern Scotland

In Chris Quick's tight 14-minute comedy The Greyness of Autumn (2012), a Scottish ostrich named Danny McGuire faces an unforeseen mid-life spiral when a double blow—losing his job and his girlfriend in the same day—drops him into an existential funk. Surrounded by humans who only see feathers and stereotypes, Danny questions whether any creature, no matter how resilient, can outrun a world that refuses to see beyond the obvious. The film blends sharp satire with dry humor, painting a poignant portrait of identity and belonging against the muted backdrop of autumn.

With Duncan Airlie James delivering a heartfelt central performance and a supporting cast that includes Amy Ebbutt, Steven Patrick, and director Chris Quick himself, The Greyness of Autumn (2012) crafts a surprisingly tender yet biting commentary on societal invisibility. The 2012 short film lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, challenging viewers to look closer at what—and who—we routinely overlook.