Movie Review: Run (2020)

Genre: Suspense Psychological Thriller

Director: Aneesh Chaganty

Starring: Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen

Running Time: 89 minutes

Synopsis: In rural Washington State, 18-year-old wheelchair-bound Chloe (Kiera Allen) suffers from a variety of serious physical ailments, including arrhythmia, diabetes, skin rash, and asthma, and has to take a variety of daily medications. Raised and home-schooled by her single mother Diane (Sarah Paulson), Chloe is now eagerly awaiting college acceptance letters. But she starts to notice some of her pills are not what they are supposed to be, and begins to suspect her mom may not be entirely honest with her.

What Works Well: Co-writing with Sev Ohanian, director Aneesh Chaganty avoids cheap jump scares and crafts a fine gradual discovery thriller unfolding from Chloe's perspective. The challenge of independent fact finding while coping with severe physical restrictions adds narrative spice, reaching an accomplished highlight with a clever rooftop escape sequence. Kiera Allen is heroic in a physically and emotionally demanding role, and Sarah Paulson glides along the scale from caring mom to darker notes. The running time is taut, driven by a robust soundtrack.

What Does Not Work As Well: The story is linear, and once the first hints of mystery emerge, the outcome is straightforward. Other than a mail carrier, there are no relevant supporting characters in the world of Chloe and Diane, closing the door on potentially interesting enabler angles.

Conclusion: A spunky quest to uncover dangerous family secrets.



All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.