This was a pretty decent little thriller for a made for TV movie. Claire Forlani does a great job and looks the part of an athlete. Michelle Nolan is also good as the c,c,c crazy, codependent trainer. The ending & HEA gets wrapped up too fast but other than that OK viewing.
8 Reviews
Good premise, but soapy and superficial
VHSdynamite25 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It's interesting that there exists a whole niche of films that are mediocre all the way through. Films like this reminds me about not taking good films for granted. In this way Run To Me succeeds.
A good thing is that it has two women main characters. That's cool, although the film at one point turns into a lesbian fantasy. The writers have to be male, I thought. Of course they were. The husband Adam is portrayed as completely true and faultless. He is tempted by the neighbor (whose only function is to suggest adultery), but doesn't give in. He loves Alison. His rapey approach to exhausted Alison is portrayed as romantic. Of course the writers are male.
The villain, Dr. Stevens, is some character though. An accomlished academic, a master manipulator, and so evil and murderous it's ridiculous. Perhaps because I'm not used to see women playing this kind of role? But the character ends up being a bit underdeveloped. Why is she this way? The film mentions rejection issues, but it doesn't seem to explain her maniac behaviour.
This could have been a good thriller about a manipulator and her victim's addiction to her, growing paranoia, emerging emotional baggage and social detoriation. But it never works up the low-key intensity such a film needs. Everything is too soapy and blatant. The memory of Alison's mother scolding her is laughably terrible. At one point the film even tries to be an action film by having Stevens walking slowly towards the camera while a car explodes in the background. With a dead journalist inside. Which invited her into his home, and turned his back to her, even though he knew she was a murderer.
A good thing is that it has two women main characters. That's cool, although the film at one point turns into a lesbian fantasy. The writers have to be male, I thought. Of course they were. The husband Adam is portrayed as completely true and faultless. He is tempted by the neighbor (whose only function is to suggest adultery), but doesn't give in. He loves Alison. His rapey approach to exhausted Alison is portrayed as romantic. Of course the writers are male.
The villain, Dr. Stevens, is some character though. An accomlished academic, a master manipulator, and so evil and murderous it's ridiculous. Perhaps because I'm not used to see women playing this kind of role? But the character ends up being a bit underdeveloped. Why is she this way? The film mentions rejection issues, but it doesn't seem to explain her maniac behaviour.
This could have been a good thriller about a manipulator and her victim's addiction to her, growing paranoia, emerging emotional baggage and social detoriation. But it never works up the low-key intensity such a film needs. Everything is too soapy and blatant. The memory of Alison's mother scolding her is laughably terrible. At one point the film even tries to be an action film by having Stevens walking slowly towards the camera while a car explodes in the background. With a dead journalist inside. Which invited her into his home, and turned his back to her, even though he knew she was a murderer.
Recommendable for housework
ricewithaspoon16 September 2021
It's your typical mediocre 'thriller' like the one with the yoga instructor.. and all the others in that section.
If you have some ironing to do, feel absolutely flat, empty and need to fill the silence while not being challenged mentally...go for it.
To the 8 star raters... - I would like to know what a True Detective gets... or all the other really good thrillers...? 5 at most from me. For 'creating' jobs and not using the cheapest set design.
If you have some ironing to do, feel absolutely flat, empty and need to fill the silence while not being challenged mentally...go for it.
To the 8 star raters... - I would like to know what a True Detective gets... or all the other really good thrillers...? 5 at most from me. For 'creating' jobs and not using the cheapest set design.
Decent TV Movie
vladimirtepes-3386727 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As the title says, decent thriller movie, but nothing special.
The acting is good, everyone did their jobs well, and nobody really stood out as bad. Plot is decent, but seen in many similar movies, but its still not boring.
I do think characters are slightly underdeveloped even thought we do get some background. The twists are not really there, you do not get surprised by anything.
Camera work is ok, pacing is little bit slow, direction and editing could do a bit more work, but decent overall. The movie was fairly entertaining.
In the end it did seem like the trainer wanted to seduce the client, and I am not even sure what would happen if the knock at the door did not happen, cause the client, a married woman, just kissed her back. Felt like she did not push her away, and if the knock at the door did not happen, the trainer was going for another kiss, makes me think they might have slept together there.
The acting is good, everyone did their jobs well, and nobody really stood out as bad. Plot is decent, but seen in many similar movies, but its still not boring.
I do think characters are slightly underdeveloped even thought we do get some background. The twists are not really there, you do not get surprised by anything.
Camera work is ok, pacing is little bit slow, direction and editing could do a bit more work, but decent overall. The movie was fairly entertaining.
In the end it did seem like the trainer wanted to seduce the client, and I am not even sure what would happen if the knock at the door did not happen, cause the client, a married woman, just kissed her back. Felt like she did not push her away, and if the knock at the door did not happen, the trainer was going for another kiss, makes me think they might have slept together there.
A Web of Intrigue That Grabs, Delights, and Mesmerizes!
P3n-E-W1s317 November 2023
Story: 1.25/2 - Direction & Pace: 1.25 & 1.25/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Entertainment: 1.25/2
Total - 6.25/10
Ah, the mystique of made-for-TV movies! Enter the realm of "Run To Me," a 2016 TV thriller that packs a punch and resolutely keeps you glued to the screen like a fly on honey-coated paper. Picture this: a self-made woman, competent at her demanding job, devoted to her charming family, and yet, the universe seems to conspire against her by tossing in a bullying boss who could use a personal lesson or two in civilized manners. Our protagonist, whose resilience could give a diamond a run for its money, becomes tangled in a web of manipulation spun by her therapist and trainer. It's like a Shakespearean play but with more cunning and fewer monologues. The film's strength lies in this intriguing concept, which is entertaining and a mental obstacle course for your ponderings.
The director, embracing subtlety like a well-worn coat, opts for a minimalist approach, graciously allowing the narrative to flourish sans flashy camera stunts. However, don't be fooled by the understated direction; key moments appear crafted with the finesse of a master painter, scenes that twinkle with exquisite lighting and setups that could make Hitchcock gently raise an impressed brow from beyond.
Now, let's talk about impressive performances. The superb cast efficiently delivers with the finesse of a well-practised orchestra. Each portrayal breathes life into the clever script, making you root for, empathize with, and occasionally yell at the screen at these well-crafted characters. They're the decent folks next door, the people you might bump into at the local grocery store, and that's what undoubtedly makes the immersion so darn easy.
As for enthusiastically recommending this TV movie wonder, count me in. Mystery thriller fans, gather around! "Run To Me" might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it's the cosy, well-worn blanket of thrillers-familiar, comforting, and a guaranteed two hours of constructively engaging entertainment.
Total - 6.25/10
Ah, the mystique of made-for-TV movies! Enter the realm of "Run To Me," a 2016 TV thriller that packs a punch and resolutely keeps you glued to the screen like a fly on honey-coated paper. Picture this: a self-made woman, competent at her demanding job, devoted to her charming family, and yet, the universe seems to conspire against her by tossing in a bullying boss who could use a personal lesson or two in civilized manners. Our protagonist, whose resilience could give a diamond a run for its money, becomes tangled in a web of manipulation spun by her therapist and trainer. It's like a Shakespearean play but with more cunning and fewer monologues. The film's strength lies in this intriguing concept, which is entertaining and a mental obstacle course for your ponderings.
The director, embracing subtlety like a well-worn coat, opts for a minimalist approach, graciously allowing the narrative to flourish sans flashy camera stunts. However, don't be fooled by the understated direction; key moments appear crafted with the finesse of a master painter, scenes that twinkle with exquisite lighting and setups that could make Hitchcock gently raise an impressed brow from beyond.
Now, let's talk about impressive performances. The superb cast efficiently delivers with the finesse of a well-practised orchestra. Each portrayal breathes life into the clever script, making you root for, empathize with, and occasionally yell at the screen at these well-crafted characters. They're the decent folks next door, the people you might bump into at the local grocery store, and that's what undoubtedly makes the immersion so darn easy.
As for enthusiastically recommending this TV movie wonder, count me in. Mystery thriller fans, gather around! "Run To Me" might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it's the cosy, well-worn blanket of thrillers-familiar, comforting, and a guaranteed two hours of constructively engaging entertainment.
Ok Lifetimey movie
Dar Star30 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It's a watchable Lifetime like movie even for a guy. Nothing special but not boring either. The therapist as a killer was so laughable, especially the scene where she just snaps a big strong man's neck like nothing. I mean that was sooooo phony it really took away from the film. At least have her shoot him. Poison him, stab him. But break his neck with her bare hands????? Laughable in its denial of physics. But the acting is not bad and the husband is quite funny actually. The film does have interesting dialog. All in all worth a watch. Just suspend your disbelief for a little while ..........
Intense and Plausible Thriller
docm-3230424 January 2019
My wife and I really liked this film despite the ratings given by IMDB. It is well written with a very plausible premise and plot. As a former world class coach, I found it technically credible and both well written and acted. The script is intense and it's very credibility is what makes it unsettling. A good watch for viewers who love this genre.
***
edwagreen6 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Entering a family's life and causing havoc seems to be a certain theme for many of the television movies viewed and this one is no exception.
Haunted by a nasty mother who eventually killed herself, a runner seeks the aid of a trainer who uses hypnosis as part of her therapy to help the athlete improve.
Of course, her last client committed suicide as did the person who trained her. Was it really suicide.
Laura, the trainer, really does a number on her newest client nearly destroying her marriage, planting evidence that the client's husband is having an affair with a neighbor, who really isn't that innocent, framing the husband for assault, killing the newsman who is doing a series of articles on her that will bring out the truth, and the list goes on and on.
Haunted by a nasty mother who eventually killed herself, a runner seeks the aid of a trainer who uses hypnosis as part of her therapy to help the athlete improve.
Of course, her last client committed suicide as did the person who trained her. Was it really suicide.
Laura, the trainer, really does a number on her newest client nearly destroying her marriage, planting evidence that the client's husband is having an affair with a neighbor, who really isn't that innocent, framing the husband for assault, killing the newsman who is doing a series of articles on her that will bring out the truth, and the list goes on and on.
See also
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