By Seth Lukas Hynes
Run Rabbit Run
Starring Sarah Snook and Lily LaTorre
Rated M
4/5
Starring Sarah Snook from Succession, Run Rabbit Run is an entrancing psychological horror film. Sarah (Snook), a fertility doctor, begins to observe disturbing behaviour in her daughter Mia (Lily LaTorre).
Directed by Daina Reed and written by novelist Hannah Kent, Run Rabbit Run’s narrative is an eerie, well-structured slow-burn.
With stunning cinematography and a droning, foreboding score, the film draws an oppressive atmosphere from mundane scenarios, such as uncomfortable family obligations, the small lies parents tell their kids, and a child’s odd behaviour turning sinister. As Mia takes on a new identity and shows knowledge she shouldn’t possess, a rift forms between her and her mother, which steadily unveils the repressed trauma in Sarah’s past.
Snook’s performance balances motherly care with weariness and growing unease, and a superb wordless sequence has her walk through her old family home, shoulders slumped and head low, her body language conveying all we need to know about Sarah’s family trauma. LaTorre conveys a steely intensity beyond her years as Mia.
Run Rabbit Run wears its horror influences on its sleeve, for better and worse. Hereditary and especially The Babadook build their horror from the rigours of parenting and mental illness, and Hereditary also features a backstory of family abuse. Run Rabbit Run differs in approach and presentation from these forebears, but the climax reminds me of Lake Mungo (which, full disclosure, was produced by an old friend of mine), in that both films have somewhat clunky paranormal touches that cheapen the solid organic horror.
A compelling, character-driven horror film, Run Rabbit Run is available for streaming on Netflix.
– Seth Lukas Hynes
