Ariana Grande’s latest venture into the film world has left fans chuckling, as her "short film," Brighter Days Ahead, clocks in at a solid 26 minutes and 11 seconds.
The project, which accompanies the deluxe release of her Eternal Sunshine album, was met with both excitement and lighthearted jabs from fans who couldn’t resist poking fun at the term “short” for a film that’s nearly as long as an episode of a TV series.
Social media reactions flooded in, with @xobrimarie__ joking,
"Yea… 'short film' 🤣🤣" in response to the announcement.
While fans had plenty to say, the film is much more than just a runtime—it's a reflection of Ariana’s ever-evolving artistry and her deep dive into storytelling through music and visuals.
Ariana Grande’s latest "short film" raises eyebrows for its 26-minute runtime, leaving fans amused and entertained
With Ariana’s fanbase being one of the most loyal and engaged on social media, it’s no surprise that reactions came in fast, and they were hilarious as expected. The film's length became the center of conversation, with @prfctpositi0ns humorously commenting,
"A whole victorious episode," referencing the singer’s roots in television.
@badguybxtch added,
"Oh we getting fed tnnnn," accompanied by a GIF of Ariana in full Wicked mode, swinging from a chandelier in her iconic Galinda costume.
The enthusiasm from fans was palpable.
For some, the length wasn’t an issue but rather something to celebrate. @solmeena tweeted,
"Me calculating how many times I can rewatch it in a day like it’s a spiritual ritual," capturing the dedication of Ariana stans who are more than willing to binge the film multiple times.
However, as with any online release, there were also detractors, with @ddclubx boldly stating,
"No one wants it."
But in true Ariana fashion, even her critics were drowned out by the praise. Even Picsart's (seemingly) Gen Z intern chimed in, adding:
"So I'm not emotionally prepared for this."
@positionsmafiaa proclaimed,
"OH THAT OSCAR IS HERS," already predicting the short film’s success in the awards circuit.
A deeper look into Brighter Days Ahead
Though fans were quick to joke about the length, Brighter Days Ahead marks an exciting moment in Ariana’s career, blending her music with a visual storytelling element that speaks to themes of growth, hope, and resilience. The short film ties into the deluxe edition of her album Eternal Sunshine, which expands on the themes of its original release. With vibrant cinematography and a storyline that takes viewers through a journey of self-discovery, the film is described as a hopeful narrative, contrasting with her previous work’s darker tones.
The deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine not only includes Brighter Days Ahead but also several new tracks that extend the album’s emotional depth. Fans have praised Ariana for her ability to shift between mediums so effortlessly, moving from pop star to actress and now to filmmaker. The short film comes at a perfect time for the singer, who is also preparing for her role in Wicked: For Good, which will hit theaters soon, and fans are already speculating about how her work in Brighter Days Ahead might hint at her performance in the much-anticipated installment.
As Ariana continues to blur the lines between music and cinema, her fans can look forward to more projects that push boundaries and offer up plenty of content to discuss on Twitter. Whether or not Brighter Days Ahead fits the standard definition of a “short film,” it’s clear that Ariana’s work is anything but ordinary, leaving fans hungry for more. And with the Oscars already being predicted, who is to say she won’t continue to surprise us with what’s next?

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