A Warning to All, What You See May Not Be the Whole Story

Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Runner
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Michelle Danner
Writer(s): Jason Chase Tyrrell
Cast: Edouard Philipponnat, Elizabeth Röhm, Eric Balfour, Jessica Amlee, Cameron Douglas
Where To Watch: In select theaters on August 19 & on digital and demand on August 23

The definition of a thriller, I was on edge through the film's last minute. Edouard Philipponnat delivers an outstanding performance that makes you feel like you were thrown into the world of this film. Partially based on true stories, director Michelle Danner took a news report she had seen and fleshed it into a complete account. One that dives into despicable actions that police have practiced. I don’t want to dive too far into what the story is about because I feel like that’s part of the adventure of watching this one.

“A high school student with a booming drug business gets in over his head. From the outside, Aiden (Edouard Philoppannot, HOUSE OF GUCCI) seems to have everything: cash, a new ride, a beautiful girlfriend, and a future full of opportunity.” That’s a snippet from the film's synopsis that I slightly edited so as not to give away too much. If you’ve read my reviews in the past, you’ll know I strive not to watch trailers for films. I also pride myself on not spoiling movies for potential audiences.

One of my favorite parts of the film was the tone throughout, an action/thriller mixed with just the right amounts of light-hearted comedy. The dramatic elements seemed to be timed perfectly where the humor didn’t take away from the bigger picture but was accurate enough that it paralleled real life. No one is serious 24/7, a significant issue in many drama/thrillers.

Edouard Philoppannot stars in the film and is building quite the resume with the above-mentioned role in HOUSE OF GUCCI and staring in NAPOLEON opposite Joaquin Phoenix. He drove the intensity of this film, almost playing two unique roles combined into one.

The film is more than a random fictionalized story; Danner wanted to make it a warning of sorts. A story to point out a flaw in the more extensive system that’s allowing kids to fall into more danger than they ever were before.

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