“Run.” is a horror/thriller written and directed by Aneesh Chaganty (writer and directed of “Searching”) with writing help from “Searching” writing partner Sev Ohanian. The film stars newcomer Kiera Allen as Chloe, a teenager who is confined to a wheelchair and is home schooled by her mother (played by Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story). When Chloe starts to notice her mother’s strange behavior, she begins to look into the world around her and everything begins to change.
“Searching” was one of my favorite movies of 2018 so much so that I was instantly excited for Chaganty’s follow-up, sophomore directing debut the second it was announced. Thankfully Chaganty did not let me down and between both his movies, he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite writers and directors working today.
The amount of intensity and absolute nuttiness Chaganty puts on display here is other worldly. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen as the story, secrets and reveals begin to unfold. I was really on the edge of my seat almost the entire movies with very few moments of relaxation. Despite it not being in any shape or form a comedy, I found myself dying laughing at just how bonkers this movie got.
Chaganty does a fantastic job setting up everything you need to know and every plot element early on. Right away you pretty much know what’s going on (even if you haven’t seen the trailer) and for some films, that could be looked at as bad writing, but I think it was purposeful here and for good reason. We begin to question things exactly when Chloe begins to question things and we find out answer exactly when Chloe finds out answers (even if we’ve kind of known deep down all along).
Both Allen and Paulson are fantastic. Paulson has proven herself time and time again throughout her entire career just how fantastic of an actress she is, but this might actually be a top-tier performance from her. She knows EXACTLY what type of movie she’s in and she pulls it off flawlessly. However, it’s Allen that’s the absolute standout just from the fact that this is only her second acting role ever. She did one short film back in 2014 and that’s it. There are many scenes where she’s alone and has to literally carry the film by herself and she does it to perfection.
I also want to give a huge standing ovation to the fact that Chaganty actually cast an actual person that lives her entire life in a wheel chair for the leading role. Allen actually uses a wheel chair in her everyday life and is the first wheel chair user to star in a major thriller since 1948’s “The Sign of the Ram.” The authenticity this fact alone brings to the film just elevates the already incredible movie to a whole other level for me.
Overall, “Run.” is another incredible film from Chaganty with two fantastic female leads. In a world where representation is on the forefront of Hollywood’s minds, this movie does it so well for the disabled community.
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