Run. (2020) is a mystery thriller film, directed by Aneesh Chaganty, that follows the lives of Diane Sherman (Sarah Paulson) and her daughter, Chloe (Kiera Allen). Chloe seems to be a normal teen, interested in whatever teens do these days, except she almost never leaves the house, or out of her mother’s sight for that matter. Chloe has been diagnosed with various illnesses throughout her life, takes many medications, and uses a wheelchair because she is paralyzed from the waist down. Diane has got quite the hold on her, but just how overprotective can a mother be? As Chloe prepares to leave the nest and go off to college, she gets suspicious of her mother’s strange behavior. Then Diane introduces her to a “new medication,” supposedly prescribed by Chloe’s doctor. That’s when Chloe begins to snoop around and question Diane’s true intentions. 

This film was released on Oct. 8, 2020, and I know I’m a bit late to the party, but it’s never too late to give praise. I don’t mean to spoil anything, but if I do, ehhhh… not my problem. 

If you are still confused about the plot, I will say this without giving away too much. If you ever followed the Gypsy Rose Blanchard case, this one is kind of like that. But the ending is a bit different and the daughter isn’t as weird. 

I must say, this film most definitely kept me on my toes. It’s filled to the brim with those classic, heart-racing, teeth-clenching, nail-biting, yelling-at-the-screen moments, where deep down you know the character is going to be fine, but you just can’t help it! Chloe is caught in some really sticky situations, sneaking behind her mother’s back (which, as you can guess, isn’t so easy using a wheelchair). 

While most of the movie may have you hiding behind the covers in suspense, the ending was actually quite satisfying. It was completely unexpected, but there is an element of revenge that pops up. It leaves the film feeling complete, where you aren’t gripping on for more. It’s almost wholesome in a way. You might find yourself saying: ‘Aw, good for her! That nasty mother deserves it.’ 

Don’t even get me started on the acting, people! Give them all a gold star! No, but really, Sarah Paulson’s performance was outstanding. Currently most known for her work in American Horror Story, a television series in which Paulson plays a new character each season, I find that she does really well in any role. 

Somehow Paulson is able to transform into a wide variety of characters. Here, you see her in a motherly role as Diane, first acting as a loving caregiver. But as the plot thickens and you get to know her secrets, Diane turns into a sort of twisted, deranged villain of the story. 

I was not familiar with Kiera Allen prior to this film, being that she is still in the beginning stages of her career. However, she really delivered as Chloe, the heroine in this story. Allen impressively porayed the various emotions that come with discovering your entire life is a lie (not that I know what that’s like). You can really see the struggle in her character, as well as the development. Chloe goes from this trusting, rule abiding child, to this persistent, independent young adult, which is really evident in Allen’s representation of the character. 

I really enjoyed this movie. Not that my standards for films are incredibly high and my opinion really matters, but take it from me. I mean, my current genre of choice is 2000s era Disney movies, so I guess I’m not really that credible. But honestly, I enjoyed it. 

I would highly recommend checking this movie out if you haven’t already. Run. is rated PG–13 for disturbing thematic content, some violence and language, so watch at your own risk. It’s exclusively available on Hulu, so if you don’t have Hulu, I highly recommend checking out a subscription. Happy movie night!