The Runner

Apparently Shudder has gotten looser with its definition of horror movie.

It's basically a long music video that cuts to documentary/behind the scenes with some band no one has ever heard of.

The last 5 minutes are some awkward white kid singing and dancing in front of the camera.

The Runner (2022) follows a strange, bloodied woman when she travels to a secluded, rural town. This short film is a hidden gem! It showcases some brilliant music, alongside experimental cinematography and unique acting. I've never seen anything like it!

The film has a very grainy look to it reminiscent of older 70s/80s horror films, with some very impressive cinematography. The camerawork is chaotic with ominous colour palettes and an effective use of lighting. The scenery is also rather beautiful, especially in the final act of the film.

One of the most impressive elements of this short film is the music and sound design. The sound is unnerving and atmospheric, and the soundtrack is absolutely flawless. I adore how the music is implemented into this film; it sets an extremely surreal vibe that I found incredibly immersive.

The acting is very unusual, which I loved, and all the actors gave original and distinct performances. The lead actress is outstanding in her role and I found her to be captivating to watch, I was left wanting to know more about her! Also, the lack of dialogue really adds to the eerie atmosphere.

Lastly, the film's opening is gripping, and it only continues to get even more immersive as the movie progresses. It's extremely unique and unlike any other film I've seen. The pacing is steady, and it uses its runtime very well.

As an initial disclaimer, I am a Boy Harsher fan, eagerly awaiting their next concert, so that may have influenced my experience of the movie. That being said, the music has the power to make or break a movie. In this case, music creates it.

Is this movie an interview accompanied by a video? Or is it a story that takes you behind the scene. In my interpretation it's both, with Boy Harsher's music manifesting itself as a monster, being let loose and observed what it does next. Besides the music, the visuals struck another cord with me. Who knew that a trailer in a corn field vista, enjoying a soft neon glow could look so good?

As for acting, there was a minor moment that took me out, but besides that, characters exchanged a lot, without saying a word. A whole story unfolds when the screen fills with long stares, full of sexual tension, making you wonder: would I rather consume, or be consumed?

Found out about this movie through Boy Harsher, thought I was getting myself into a horror movie since it was on shudder. (Even a cheesy horror movie would have been fine, which is what's usually on shudder, and I love them). It wasn't though, it was just a shameless plug the entire time for BOAN and Boy Harsher...

The plot, and their idea of "scary" was the most vanilla idea, and as others have said here, the execution was absolutely abysmal. To say this was produced by freshmen college theater students would be an insult to those freshman students.

Bottom line - if you like the music, listen to the album, and BOAN's albums. If you don't mind quite a bit of cringe, then watch the movie.

2/10 since I like the music, and have liked that genre of music for years, but if the music wasn't in there, the movie would get a solid 1/10.

Been a fan of Boy Harsher for a while and didn't know anything about this film when I hit play. I wish more bands were this artistic and experimental in cinematic ways.