Run Rabbit Run

Run Rabbit Run is a compelling psychological thriller released in 2023 that plunges viewers into the complex emotional landscape of a mother grappling with personal demons and a haunting legacy. Directed by Daina Reid, the film showcases the exceptional talent of Sarah Snook, known for her captivating performances, alongside powerful supporting performances from Lily LaTorre and Neil Melville.

The narrative centers around Sarah Snook’s character, a confident and dedicated fertility doctor named Sarah, who appears to lead a well-structured and professional life. However, beneath her seemingly composed exterior lies a tumultuous past that resurfaces, shaking her family and her career to their very core. As a tightly wound individual, Sarah's life takes a dark turn when her estranged daughter, Mia (played by Lily LaTorre), begins to exhibit disturbing behaviors. These unsettling changes prompt Sarah to confront not only her daughter’s troubling actions but also unresolved issues from her own childhood that she has long kept buried.

The film artfully explores themes of motherhood, guilt, and the psychological scars that can arise from unresolved trauma. As Sarah tries to navigate her challenging relationship with Mia, we are drawn into an emotional turmoil that reveals the fragility of family ties. Sarah’s scientific expertise contrasts sharply with her emotional struggles, creating a riveting tension that runs throughout the film. The depth of her character becomes evident as we witness her struggle between professional obligations and the instinctual need to protect her family.

Lily LaTorre delivers a haunting performance as Mia, embodying the complexities of a child who is both innocent and affected by the shadows of her mother’s past. Mia’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, which serves as a catalyst for Sarah to delve deeper into her own psyche. The interactions between mother and daughter are fraught with tension, each moment laden with unspoken words and hidden fears, painting a picture of a family on the brink of collapse.

Supporting characters, including Neil Melville's portrayal of Peter, add further layers to the narrative. As Sarah’s partner, Peter seeks to support her as she unravels the mystery of Mia’s erratic behavior, but he also finds himself tangled in the emotional chaos that comes with it. His character acts as a grounding force, trying to maintain balance between Sarah’s spiraling mindset and the family’s well-being. Melville captures the essence of a partner trying to navigate his own confusion while standing by a woman he loves who is stoically facing her inner turmoil.

Visually, Run Rabbit Run is a striking film, with cinematographer Matt Libatique employing a blend of stark, clinical visuals that reflect Sarah’s profession and darker, more atmospheric sequences that evoke the emotional weight of her journey. Reid’s direction is both sharp and sensitive, crafting an environment that is rich in foreboding while navigating the intimate emotional states of her characters. The world they inhabit feels palpably tense, enhancing the psychological aspects of the story as it unfolds.

The film also incorporates elements of magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and Sarah's fragmented perception of her environment. This artistic choice amplifies the haunting atmosphere, as it leads both characters and viewers through a labyrinth of fears and memories that encapsulate what it means to face one’s inner monsters.

Thematically, Run Rabbit Run invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of parenting, particularly when faced with the inherited traumas that each generation carries. Sarah becomes a vessel through which the film explores these inherited fears — the way they manifest in children and the lengths to which a mother will go to understand and, when necessary, confront them. The emotional stakes are high, and the film's pacing keeps viewers on edge, oscillating between moments of quiet contemplation and explosive emotional confrontations.

Run Rabbit Run is a film that demands reflection, pulling the audience into its depths while challenging them to consider the broader implications of trauma and memory in familial relationships. The performances are haunting and authentic, ensuring that this psychological thriller resonates long after the credits roll. Audiences will find themselves engrossed in this layered narrative, eager to unravel the intricate threads of Sarah and Mia’s intertwined fates while contemplating the enduring influence of the past on the present. As it weaves its complex tale of maternal instinct, the film ultimately raises the question: how do we protect our loved ones when the greatest threats stem from within?