⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 4

Not to be confused with “Runner” currently in cinemas, “The Runner” is a new Gal Gadot thriller from Amazon Prime Video. It is a straight-to-streaming feature that, while clearly backed by a decent budget, adopts a tightly framed perspective and a pacing style that leans into a high-end TV movie feel.

It is a unique project in that, aside from a minor supporting cast, Gadot is the sole main performer constantly on screen. She plays Maia, a mother whose son has been kidnapped and who is given a frantic countdown: she has precisely one hour to run across the city and assassinate a target, or her boy dies.

The premise keeps things lean, focusing heavily on continuous action with a minimalist story. The runtime flies by with fast-paced sequences and stunt work. Gadot delivers a fast-paced physical performance, pushing herself to physical extremes to sell the desperation of saving her child. Throughout the ordeal, the kidnapper relays instructions via an earpiece and is voiced menacingly by Damian Lewis, alongside a few brief onscreen appearances.

Naturally, many of the logistical hurdles are near-impossible for someone literally running against the clock. She faces many challenges within a single hour, far more than any ordinary person could realistically encounter but it serves its primary purpose by keeping the momentum going and the audience engaged. Filmed entirely on location throughout London, it offers plenty of recognizable city sights, and pulling off that much location shooting is an impressive feat in itself.

The climax features a neat narrative twist that might momentarily leave you wondering if you missed a section of the film when certain events don’t immediately pan out as expected, but everything is tied together by the final.

It is easy to see why this bypassed a theatrical run, but it stands as a slick, high-quality production all the same. At 84 minutes, it hits the sweet spot for a fun, entertaining action flick ideal for an evening watch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 4

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Trailer, synopsis and score below.

Maia Marten, a high-powered London prosecutor, has just one hour to sprint across the city and assassinate a key witness or her kidnapped, diabetic son will be killed by an unseen cyber-extortionist controlling his insulin pump. Forced to race against the clock while dodging police suspicion and her own exhausting physical limits, Maia must find a way to outsmart the technological stalker, save her child, and expose the criminal syndicate pulling the strings.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

4 out of 5

Story/plot

3 out of 5

Acting/Performances

4 out of 5

Overall

4 out of 5

Certification: PG 13
Running time: 85 minutes
Screening type: 2D