After director Aneesh Chaganty came out with his directorial debut, Searching, in 2018, anticipation was high for his next film. This year on the opening night of Nightstream Film Festival, Chaganty followed up his previous film with Run, another tense, heart-racing thriller, starring the great Sarah Paulson as Diane Sherman, a mother who homeschools her disabled teenage daughter, Chloe (Kiera Allen). Their daily routine at home is interrupted by Chloe’s sneaking suspicion that her mother is hiding a dark secret from her. 

In Run, the symbolism of stairs is used throughout. Both Diane and Chloe are constantly seen descending the stairs of their home, always going down rather than upwards towards progress. For Chloe, the stairs are an obstacle, one that is used against her by her mother, but later on becomes her greatest advantage. This is just one example of many clever techniques employed in this film that sets it apart from other thrillers.

It should come as no surprise that much can be said about Paulson, who delivers yet another incredible performance that will surely send shivers down the spines of viewers. But Allen, a young disabled actress making her impressive film debut in Run, is truly the star. Too often are characters with disabilities played by actors who aren’t disabled, and it is great to see Allen on screen playing Chloe, a compelling character who is not defined by her disability and also kicks ass.

Chaganty has achieved great things with his second feature, which is a must-see for those who love a good adrenaline rush. Paulson and Allen both give fantastic performances, bringing the film all the way to one of the most cathartic endings this year.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen

DIRECTOR: Aneesh Chaganty

WRITERS: Aneesh Chaganty, Sev Ohanian

SYNOPSIS: Homeschooled teenager, Chloe, begins to suspect that her mother is keeping a dark secret from her.