Run & Jump is a beautiful, slickly produced movie, with great performances from the cast. The plot involves an American neuro-psychologist, Dr. Ted Fielding, who stays with the Casey family in Ireland to observe the father of the family, Conor, who has suffered a stroke that has changed his personality.
Ted is a reserved and slightly awkward professor who is dedicated to his work, leaving no time for family. Ted initially keeps himself detached from members of the family but gradually becomes emotionally involved. This is especially so with Vanetia, Conor's wife, who despite having to deal with the difficult circumstances that have been thrust upon her family, maintains a cheery and optimistic outlook ("schnitzeling" it, as she says) on things. However, Vanetia's increasing frustration with Conor's inability to reconnect with his family and his occasionally child-like behaviour, nudges her to form a bond with Ted, the only other adult in the household. The initially guarded Ted begins to open up and the complicated emotions that ensue create a dilemma for himself and Vanetia.
Maxine Peake is genial and radiant as Vanetia. Will Forte gives another understated and sensitive performance, similar to his breakout performance in Nebraska. Edward MacLiam is effective as the mentally damaged Conor. Child actors Brendan Morris and Ciara Gallagher also give solid performances as Lenny and Noni, respectively.
Apart from the central premise, the movie is peppered with light amusing moments (laugh yoga, the toilet scene, sympathy Susan, Ted's "birthday gift" from a friend etc.) that feel genuine and add a comedic touch. It also makes use of montage sequences that effectively build upon the underlying emotions. I found the ending slightly melancholy but strangely hopeful. This is probably due in part to Ted's emotional awakening. The final scenes showing Ted's expressions are so genuinely affecting that it leaves you pensive. The film raises difficult questions and does not try to pretend that there are easy answers, which feels authentic. As the saying goes, life is complicated. How you deal with and what you can take away from it are ultimately what that matters the most. 10 out of 10.
Ted is a reserved and slightly awkward professor who is dedicated to his work, leaving no time for family. Ted initially keeps himself detached from members of the family but gradually becomes emotionally involved. This is especially so with Vanetia, Conor's wife, who despite having to deal with the difficult circumstances that have been thrust upon her family, maintains a cheery and optimistic outlook ("schnitzeling" it, as she says) on things. However, Vanetia's increasing frustration with Conor's inability to reconnect with his family and his occasionally child-like behaviour, nudges her to form a bond with Ted, the only other adult in the household. The initially guarded Ted begins to open up and the complicated emotions that ensue create a dilemma for himself and Vanetia.
Maxine Peake is genial and radiant as Vanetia. Will Forte gives another understated and sensitive performance, similar to his breakout performance in Nebraska. Edward MacLiam is effective as the mentally damaged Conor. Child actors Brendan Morris and Ciara Gallagher also give solid performances as Lenny and Noni, respectively.
Apart from the central premise, the movie is peppered with light amusing moments (laugh yoga, the toilet scene, sympathy Susan, Ted's "birthday gift" from a friend etc.) that feel genuine and add a comedic touch. It also makes use of montage sequences that effectively build upon the underlying emotions. I found the ending slightly melancholy but strangely hopeful. This is probably due in part to Ted's emotional awakening. The final scenes showing Ted's expressions are so genuinely affecting that it leaves you pensive. The film raises difficult questions and does not try to pretend that there are easy answers, which feels authentic. As the saying goes, life is complicated. How you deal with and what you can take away from it are ultimately what that matters the most. 10 out of 10.