Emily Watson Boards Oscar-Qualified Short ‘The Drive’ as Executive Producer

Two-time Academy Award nominee Emily Watson has come aboard the Oscar-qualified short film “The Drive” as an executive producer, throwing her weight behind the husband-and-wife filmmaking duo David Arrow and Amber Paul as the project heads into awards season.

Set on a warm November afternoon in the early 1960s, “The Drive” draws inspiration from a little-known episode that occurred on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

The narrative follows Liz, portrayed by Paul, during a routine school carpool. When news of the assassination breaks, an ordinary journey transforms into an unforgettable experience. Rather than reenacting the historic event itself, the film examines its immediate human toll through the intimate lens of a mother suddenly confronting a national tragedy.

Watson, a longtime friend of Arrow’s, said she was drawn to the project’s restrained approach to a moment etched into the public consciousness.

“‘The Drive’ delivers a fresh insight into a moment that is universally known, with utter clarity,” Watson said. “Beautifully shot and acted, being both emotionally truthful and understated, the brief but deeply touching story is rendered vividly with a texture that is absolutely of its time; with the lightest of touches we are slowly made aware that we are inside a very intimate and personal private detail of an historic world-shattering event seared in the public imagination.”

Following screenings at more than 40 film festivals and multiple award wins, the short has qualified for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards.

“As familiar as I am with the overall events that took place, I was stunned that I didn’t know this small but significant piece of history, a very personal and compelling footnote to one of the most consequential chapters in the chronicle of the 20th century,” Arrow said.

Produced through 4 A Films, “The Drive” extends the creative partnership between Arrow and Paul. Arrow’s screen credits include “Igby Goes Down,” “Hostage,” “Broad City,” NBC’s “The Hunting Party,” and AMC’s “Turn.” Paul is an award-winning actress whose credits include “The Woman From Hamburg,” “That’s My Boy,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” opposite Harry Styles.

Watson earned Oscar nominations for “Breaking the Waves” and “Hilary and Jackie.” Her recent work includes a Silver Bear-winning performance at the Berlin International Film Festival for “Small Things Like These,” opposite Cillian Murphy, and a role in Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.”

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