Two couples in the same pub face life-changing news from opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. One couple anxiously awaits a hospital verdict that could close the door on parenthood forever, while another panics over an unplanned pregnancy they never expected.

Too Soon Too Late is a 15-minute drama short exploring the contrasting emotional realities of parenthood through parallel storytelling. The film examines themes of fear, timing, responsibility, and personal readiness.

Story

In a quiet neighbourhood pub, two couples unknowingly collide with life-changing decisions. Hannah and Tom, together for over a decade and worn down by years of IVF, arrive not for a drink but to sit somewhere that isn't home while they wait on yet another fertility verdict. Across the room, Chloe and Jamie, in their early twenties and still figuring out who they are to each other, are grappling with an unplanned pregnancy that has turned love into pressure and the future into something neither feels ready to hold.

As alcohol loosens defences and fear tightens control, a chance encounter pulls the two worlds together: Tom and Jamie meet outside in the smoking area, where a blunt, impulsive comment about abortion, and a confession of infertility, force both men to confront shame, responsibility, and what it really means to decide a future. Meanwhile, inside, Hannah and Chloe each reach breaking points of their own: one facing the possibility of no child at all, and the other facing one arriving too soon.

By the end of the day, nothing is neatly resolved, but both couples leave changed. Tom returns home with a renewed sense of hope, while Jamie begins to accept the weight of responsibility ahead. In a single evening, the pub holds not resolution, but the moment people stop running from the lives they're already in.

Director’s Statement

Director and Co-Producer - Ananya Tej

Hi, I’m Ananya Tej! I’ve always been fascinated by stories that make people laugh, cry, question, and connect, and I’ve always wanted to tell stories that stay with audiences long after the credits roll. That dream eventually brought me to London, where I’m currently completing my Master’s in Directing at MetFilm School. 

No matter the format whether it's the commercial Mei Mei or the web series Noeton, The Prophet and Between Takes Short film, I've always believed the strongest stories are the ones that resonate emotionally, and Too Late Too Soon is my most personal exploration of that belief yet.

Too Late Too Soon explores two parallel stories unfolding in the same pub  two couples facing completely different situations, yet unknowingly reflecting one another. Creating a space where these separate journeys quietly intersect while still preserving their individuality has been one of the most rewarding creative experiences of my journey. At its heart, the film is about timing, hope, personal readiness, fear, grief, regret, and love that transcend circumstances and connect us all. I hope audiences recognise a part of themselves in these characters and are reminded that even our most personal struggles can bring us closer together.

About Us

Director of Photography - Aditya Patane

My approach to cinematography is rooted in visual storytelling, using light, composition, camera movement, and colour to reflect emotion. As the DOP of Too Late Too Soon, I developed the film's visual language to create immersive, character-driven imagery that serves the story with clarity and purpose.

Production Manager - Madeleine Grocott

I’ve worked across a range of documentary and narrative productions, and I’m passionate about telling stories that spark conversation and connect with audiences. On Too Late Too Soon, I am serving as Production Manager, leading the organisation and coordination behind the scenes to ensure our team can realise this important story.

Producer - Daryl D'Cotta

As the Producer, I am excited to be part of Too Late Too Soon because it tells a compelling story of what many couples struggle with when starting a family. Being able to step behind the scenes and help bring this story to life was just as exciting as experiencing it as an audience member. What made the journey even more special was working alongside director Ananya Tej, who is passionate about the project and brings a clear vision to the film. His energy and collaborative approach made the production process both enjoyable and inspiring 
 

Production

We aim to shoot for 3 days in London during late July-early August. We are currently raising funds to help bring Too Soon, Too Late to life and support key areas of production including:

• Cast and Crew
  • Our goal is to ensure the well-being of our cast and crew by covering their travel expenses and offering them quality meals during shooting.
  • We’d never want to undervalue our actors so we want to pay them well!
• Locations
  • As a single-location narrative, it’s crucial that we have the right pub to film in, and stopping Brits from their summer drinks isn’t cheap. We’re aiming to shoot earlier on in the day to minimise closure costs
• Contingency
  • Filmmaking is full of surprises (and not all of them make the final cut). While we're hoping for smooth sailing, this contingency fund is our "just in case" pot for any unexpected hiccups along the way.

As an independent production, every contribution genuinely makes a difference and helps us tell this story with the care and authenticity it deserves.

 How You Can Help

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Thank you for taking the time to review our crowdfunding campaign for Too Soon Too Late, we’re incredibly excited to share more soon.