Run Sweetheart Run Review

Run Sweetheart Run is a high octane, edge of your seat, thriller that is filled with shocking twists and turns and female empowerment messages.

Run Sweetheart Run has everything that you want in a thriller. Completely shocking twists, a villain that will make your blood run cold, and a kick ass lead that you are willing to throw your own life down for. This movie is packed with edge of your seat intensity, as well as some serious female empowerment messages. Best to watch with a group of friends, this is they kind of movie you can scream at — in the best way possible. That said, it isn’t without its problems. 

When Cherie (Ella Balinska) finds herself at a client dinner with Ethan (Pilou Asbæk), she is completely enthralled by him. Their night turns into something special before it turns into something a whole lot more sinister — and she ends up running for her life.

What Works With Run Sweetheart Run

Run Sweetheart Run works on so many different levels. From a thriller aspect, it is done really well. It starts off as a bit of a mystery. The audience knows that something is coming but they don’t not when to expect it, or what exactly it is. The directing choice to make the moment that things get crazy something that happens off screen is brilliant. It is this scene that will have viewers fearing the villain of the movie themselves — wondering just how powerful he is. 

As the events of the movie unravel, they become more and more twisted and shocking. This is an intense film that goes where you least expect it to. It is unafraid to show abusive men, and the effect it has on the women in their lives. There are some good guys thrown in there too, don’t worry, but having this on screen can be a bit triggering — especially for those who have been abused in the past.

Run Sweetheart Run features many kick ass women, and at the head of it all is Ella Balinska. She is truly phenomenal in this movie. It is easy to relate to her. She is likeable — loveable even — and most people watching would be willing to step in front of her to protect her, by any means possible. She takes a decent script and raises it to the next level. 

Her chemistry with Pilou Asbæk is unmatched, and something that truly makes Run Sweetheart Run a thriller at its heart. Asbaek is creepy from the start, but the longer the movie goes on, the more your blood will run cold. He is truly terrifying, and the two together deliver some of the best horror moments of the year. 

Clark Gregg plays Cherie’s boss, and he is a subtle kind of scary. It is strange to see him in this light, as he is usually a very likable guy, but not here. Oh no. He is someone you would want to stay far away from.

What Doesn’t Work With Run Sweetheart Run

Run Sweetheart Run isn’t perfect though. It feels a bit on the long side, especially in the second act. That said, it is saved by an incredible third act. The effects are definitely independent film budget, which is not necessarily a bad thing but some scenes feel a bit too campy at times. The dialogue isn’t always spot on, but Balinska is able to cover the missteps up with her incredible performance.

There will be a group of people who do not like this movie. It will make some people feel uncomfortable because it full on talks about mensuration. In fact, it is a major part of the movie and they are willing to push the envelope much further than you will ever expect when it comes to how graphic they depict it. Still, it is important to the story. 

When it comes to the overall message of the movie, it does highlight how horrible some men can be. They are monsters. They are willing to do just about anything to stop women from rising to power. Certainly some men won’t like to see this in a movie but, what does that say about them?

Overall Thoughts

Run Sweetheart Run is a great movie to watch with a group of your best friends. This is one that you can scream and yell at the screen, telling the characters what to do, and have an absolute blast doing so. There are jump scares, but there are also some spot on comedic relief moments as well. 

Writer Shana Feste explained at the premiere that this is loosely based off of a true story. She found herself on a date with a guy who looked great on paper, but literally ended up running from his house all the way home to get away from him. The influence behind the important lessons Run Sweetheart Run tells is a terrifying one. 

This movie is all about girl power. It pushes the envelope in pretty much every capacity. It is filled with edge of your seat intensity that will have your heart pounding as you wait to see what happens next. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NEXT: Barbarian Review (2022 Movie)

About Run Sweetheart Run

Initially apprehensive when her boss insists she meet with one of his most important clients, single mom Cherie (Ella Balinska) is relieved and excited when she meets charismatic Ethan (Pilou Asbæk). The influential businessman defies expectations and sweeps Cherie off her feet.

But at the end of the night, when the two are alone together, he reveals his true, violent nature. Battered and terrified, she flees for her life, beginning a relentless game of cat-and-mouse with a blood-thirsty assailant hell-bent on her utter destruction.

Run Sweetheart Run comes to Prime Video on October 28th!