Run Rabbit Run (2023)

★★★☆☆

A Chase of Shadows

Run Rabbit Run (2023), director Daina Reid aims to encapsulate the delicacy of the mother-daughter relationship and how the specter of a fractured past can seep into present realities. However, as we dissect this cinematic offering it's clear the film's persuasive intent and implicit arguments are, disappointingly, underdeveloped.

Primarily, the movie positions itself as a comment on familial relationships, individuality, and identity. We see this in the volatile relationship between Sarah (Sarah Snook) and her daughter Mia (Lily LaTorre), as well as her estranged mother, Joan (Greta Scacchi). However, the film makes numerous assumptions regarding the audience's ability to discern the transformative journey of Sarah's character. The narrative hinges on the psychological impact of Sarah's repressed memories, but the exploration of these themes feels superficial.

The plot makes a conscious effort to juxtapose the relationships Sarah has with her daughter Mia and her own mother, a clear nod to the concept of the shadow archetype. It seems to suggest that Sarah's relationship with her daughter is a distorted mirror of her relationship with her own mother, that Sarah's past is reflected and refracted in her current life. However, this metaphorical mirror is murkier than it should be, leaving the audience grappling for clarity. The metaphorical parallels are intended to provide a multi-dimensional exploration of Sarah's character, but they come off as contrived, which, in turn, diminishes the impact of the film's argument.

The film's engagement with the concept of individuation, the harmonizing of self, feels at odds with its exploration of the collective unconscious. There's a compelling thread of familial karma and cyclical trauma present, but the execution lacks precision. This presents a significant contestation, a disagreement within the narrative. While the film seeks to shine a light on the effects of unresolved trauma and how they mold our realities, it does so inconsistently, thus undermining its own intentions.

Moreover, the film uses the symbol of the rabbit as an attempt to embody Sarah's repressed trauma, an element plucked straight from Jung's theories on symbols. The rabbit's introduction is built up as a significant reveal, but as the plot progresses, its intended symbolism grows progressively nebulous. This lack of clarity regarding such a prominent symbol erodes the film's narrative coherence and impact.

From a technical standpoint, the cinematography, mise-en-scène, and sound design are executed proficiently. The ominous wind and the rabbit's recurring appearance create an eerie atmosphere that aptly echoes Sarah's internal turmoil. Unfortunately, the film's compelling visual aesthetics and eerie soundscapes are not enough to compensate for the narrative's shortcomings.

The film attempts to delve into the human struggle with mortality, consciousness, individuality, and the desire for connection. However, it does not provide these themes the depth they deserve. The film's narrative seems more interested in maintaining its suspenseful atmosphere than delivering a profound exploration of the human condition. As a result, it does not reach the full potential of its themes nor does it sufficiently engage the audience in a dialogue about these fundamental aspects of our existence.

Run Rabbit Run does explore an important societal issue—the struggle families face when dealing with mental instability and changing identities. Yet, this exploration feels tangential rather than integral. It neither serves to progress the plot nor sufficiently contributes to character development, leaving the film feeling thematically scattered.

While Run Rabbit Run sets out to deliver an argument on the essence of the human condition, it fails to make a compelling case. The film's bold statement is undermined by its lack of clarity and coherence in narrative, character development, and symbolism. This leads to a disconnection between the movie's artistic vision and its realized output. As an exploration of Ciceroan and Jungian theories, it leaves much to be desired and prompts us to question the exigence of its creation. A shadow of its potential, the movie is a rabbit that could not quite run the race.