When She Runs

When She Runs is an exceptional independent film from 2018 blended with drama and sports, directed by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck & Robert Machoian with a standout performance by Kirstin Anderson in the lead role. This film effortlessly combines elements of drama and endurance to deliver a narrative that is poignant, compelling, and profoundly human.

The plot of 'When She Runs' is centred around a young mother of modest means, living in a small suburban town. Kirstin Anderson plays the protagonist, a determined runner training relentlessly for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the Olympic games. The film explores her struggle, resilience, and the personal sacrifices she makes to reach her ambitious goal.

The film begins with Kirstin’s character living an average, low-key life with her husband, played by Ivan Gehring, and their young son. However, her ordinary life quickly takes a dramatic turn when she decides to pursue her dream of becoming an Olympian. The mundane and domestic life contrasts sharply with her gruelling, sweat-soaked, and intense training sessions, creating an intriguing dynamic that keeps the audience gripped.

Kirstin Anderson’s portrayal of a dedicated runner hits all the right notes. Her performance rings authentic, resulting in a character whose struggle is tangible and inspiring. The intensity and grit she displays during her training sequences are palpable and highlight her absolute commitment to her goals. Her characterization exudes strength, determination, and also vulnerability, adding layers to her personality and making her journey all the more engaging.

Throughout the story, the dynamics between Kirstin’s character, her husband, and her trainer add additional layers to the narrative. Ivan Gehring, who plays Kirstin's supportive yet often bewildered husband, excellently portrays his character’s confusion and worry. He wants to support her but struggles to understand her obsession with her athletic dreams, resulting in a palpable tension between the couple. Her trainer, portrayed by Ian Graham, also plays a key role, pushing Kirstin to her physical and emotional limits. The trio's interaction and discord showcase the multi-faceted obstacles she must overcome to reach her ultimate goal.

The filmmakers take an intimate approach to the storytelling process and provide a unfiltered perspective of her life, encompassing the raw and exhausting training sessions, the strain on her personal relationships, and her desperate attempts to balance her role as a mother and an athlete. The film’s color palette is often subdued, matching the quiet desperation and tenacity of Kirstin’s character.

The audience becomes invested in these characters' lives, particularly Kirstin's character, whose struggle becomes profoundly relatable. They are treated to an insider's view of the intricate, and often painful, details of training for a sports event of the Olympic magnitude. The film skirts the dips and crests of her journey with honesty and brutality, not shying away from the ugliness of her struggle.

Rather than focusing on the glory of sports achievers, the film opens up the backstories, focusing on what the audience doesn't typically see: the sacrifices, hardships, and the unending desire to succeed regardless of the costs. The directors of When She Runs effectively highlight the raw determination of athletes and the personal costs paid in the pursuit of ambitions, creating a narrative that is at once harrowing and inspiring.

'When She Runs' also paints a realistic picture of middle-class American life, depicting a protagonist who is essentially an average person with extraordinary dreams. Even though it's a sports-themed movie, it does not glamorize the journey. Instead, it reveals the grind behind the glory, making it an interesting watch.

The brilliant performances, engaging narrative, and aesthetically shot sequences make 'When She Runs' a one-of-a-kind showcase of human endurance and resilience. Despite its minimalistic style, the impact it leaves on the viewer is substantial. A compelling exploration of ambition, determination, and sacrifice, 'When She Runs' is a tribute to dream chasers and the trials they endure in their pursuit of greatness. It serves as an inspiration to anyone who has dared to dream and worked tirelessly to reach their goal.