Run Sweetheart Run is probably one of the more original and unpredictable horror thrillers to come out in years. The film follows Cherie (Ella Balinska), a hard-working single mom who is coerced into handling a business dinner only to be thrown headlong into an epic battle between systemic misogyny and female autonomy. Yes, it’s a lot. But co-writer and director Shana Feste has a lot to say and plenty to call out. Thankfully Feste is a good filmmaker with a sharp eye and a savage wit. She has also found a secret weapon in leading actor Balinska who lures us through a film that defies expectations and consistent classification. In short, Run Sweetheart Run, is one hell of a ride that leans into the strengths of the horror genre while blazing its own path.

The film opens on a montage of gratingly typical scenarios where an army of secretaries run interference for their bosses. While Cherie is on her way to work, her boss calls in a frenzy realizing that he has been double booked with a high stakes client, and his wife on their anniversary. Cherie agrees to step in for the client’s dinner and meets up with the enigmatic Ethan (Pilou Asbæk) at his home. The two go rollerskating (odd choice) and end up at a picturesque restaurant atop the Hollywood hills. The business date becomes romantic and Cherie agrees to return to Ethan’s home for one last drink. That is when the film makes its first hard left as Cherie soon stumbles from Ethan’s home, battered, bruised, and bloodied in search of safety. Running barefoot into the night, Cherie flees out into the city with Ethan in a strangely focused pursuit.

The film follows Cherie from Ethan’s home to a Police station to the arms of her ex-boyfriend Trey (Dayo Okeniyi). All the while Ethan seems to be just two steps behind her. What does Ethan want? How does he keep finding Cherie? What does the oppressive patriarchy have to do with any of this? Writer-director Feste explores the realities of an average single mother’s existence and struggles and mines it for horrific effect. Being put in a position of presumed kindness Cherie exposes herself to dangers that the average man has no idea exist.

The film’s biggest strength is star Balinska who serves as the anchor and ultimate figurehead of female bad-assery. Even when the film’s capricious plot suddenly swerves into bizarre territory, it is Balinska‘s grounded and honest performance that convinces us to go along for the ride and explore the horror. Second to her is Feste’s unbridled and genre-defying script coupled with an assured direction.  No, the movie is not perfect, but it takes so many glorious risks that you have to respect the chutzpah and trust the message it carries. Also, one day I would love to meet the First Lady (Shohreh Aghdashloo). Yes, I am sending an endorsement in code, but sometimes the less you know, the better.

In short, Run Sweetheart Run is an audaciously original horror thriller and I loved it.

MOVIE RATING — 7 out of 10