Run (2020) is a psychological thriller that grabs you from its opening scene and never lets go. Directed by Aneesh Chaganty and starring Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen, the film is a tense, claustrophobic exploration of the bond between mother and daughter, twisted by secrets and obsession. With its tightly wound narrative, standout performances, and chilling atmosphere, Run stands out as one of the most gripping thrillers of its decade.

This review will take you through the film’s detailed plot, introduce its complex characters, discuss its core themes, analyze its box office and critical reception, compare it to similar movies, explain why it’s a must-watch, and wrap up with a thoughtful conclusion and frequently asked questions.

Detailed Plot Summary

Beginnings: A Mother’s Promise

The film opens with Diane Sherman (Sarah Paulson) giving birth prematurely. The hospital scene is fraught with anxiety as doctors work to save the infant. Years later, we meet Diane and her now-teenage daughter, Chloe (Kiera Allen), living in a quiet town. Chloe is wheelchair-bound and suffers from a slew of medical conditions: arrhythmia, asthma, diabetes, hemochromatosis, and paralysis. She’s homeschooled by Diane, who appears to be a loving, attentive mother, devoted to Chloe’s care.

Chloe’s life is highly regimented. Diane dispenses her daily medications and controls every aspect of her routine. Chloe’s only connection to the outside world is through rare trips to town and her hope of attending college—something Diane claims to support, though Chloe has yet to receive any acceptance letters.

The Seeds of Suspicion

The story’s tension begins to mount when Chloe, searching for chocolate in a grocery bag, finds a prescription bottle labeled with Diane’s name. Later, she discovers that her own name has been pasted over Diane’s on the bottle. The medication, Trigoxin, is supposedly for Chloe’s heart, but when she tries to research it, the internet mysteriously disconnects. Unbeknownst to Chloe, Diane has unplugged the router, monitoring her every move.

Determined to learn the truth, Chloe calls a random number and asks the person on the other end to look up Trigoxin. She’s told it’s a red pill for heart conditions, not the green pill she’s been taking. Chloe’s suspicion grows, and during a rare outing to a movie theater, she escapes to a nearby pharmacy. There, a pharmacist reveals the green pills are actually Ridocaine—a muscle relaxant for dogs, which can cause paralysis in humans.

Desperate for Escape

Realizing she’s being poisoned, Chloe panics and is quickly subdued by Diane, who sedates her and brings her home. Chloe wakes up locked in her bedroom, the door secured from the outside. With Diane gone on an errand, Chloe stages a daring escape: she crawls onto the roof, breaks into her mother’s bedroom, and retrieves her inhaler just in time to stave off an asthma attack. She tries to use her wheelchair ramp but finds the power cord cut, forcing her to throw herself down the stairs in a desperate bid for freedom.

Outside, Chloe flags down a mailman named Tom and pleads for help. Tom confronts Diane, who claims Chloe is mentally unwell. As Tom prepares to take Chloe to the police, Diane injects him with a syringe, killing him. Chloe faints and awakens chained in the basement.

The Horrific Truth

In the basement, Chloe discovers a box of documents, including a birth certificate and a newspaper clipping revealing that Diane’s biological daughter died shortly after birth. Chloe realizes she was kidnapped as a baby and has been held captive ever since. Diane, suffering from Munchausen by proxy syndrome, has intentionally kept Chloe sick and dependent.

Chloe fakes a medical emergency to lure Diane downstairs and manages to escape, crawling to the front door. Diane catches up, but Chloe locks herself in and drinks a bottle of poison, forcing Diane to rush her to the hospital.

The Final Showdown

At the hospital, Chloe is stabilized but unable to speak. She tries to alert a nurse by writing a message, but Diane kidnaps her again before help arrives. As Diane attempts to escape with Chloe, security intervenes. In the struggle, Diane is shot and falls down a flight of stairs.

Epilogue: Seven Years Later

The film jumps forward seven years. Chloe, now an adult, visits a correctional facility. She is walking with the aid of a cane, having regained some use of her legs. She tells the staff she has a husband, children, and a fulfilling life. Chloe enters Diane’s room—Diane is now bedridden and unable to speak. Chloe lovingly greets her, then reveals the same green pills Diane once used to paralyze her. “I love you, mom. Now open wide,” Chloe says, forcing Diane to take the pills, a chilling act of poetic justice.

Character Analysis

Diane Sherman (Sarah Paulson)

Diane is a masterclass in psychological horror. At first, she appears to be the perfect, self-sacrificing mother, but her love is suffocating, obsessive, and ultimately destructive. Diane’s actions are driven by a pathological need to control and keep Chloe dependent on her. Her backstory—losing her biological daughter and kidnapping Chloe—adds a layer of tragedy to her monstrous behavior. Paulson’s performance is chilling, capturing both Diane’s maternal warmth and her terrifying instability.

Chloe Sherman (Kiera Allen)

Chloe is a rare protagonist in thrillers: a disabled teenager who is resourceful, intelligent, and fiercely determined. Despite her physical limitations and years of psychological manipulation, Chloe’s spirit is unbreakable. Her journey from trusting child to suspicious captive to empowered survivor is both harrowing and inspiring. Kiera Allen, herself a wheelchair user, brings authenticity and nuance to the role, making Chloe’s struggle deeply affecting.

Supporting Characters

• Tom (Mailman): A symbol of hope and the outside world, Tom’s brief appearance is pivotal, highlighting both the danger Chloe faces and the isolation Diane has imposed.

• Hospital Staff: Their presence in the climax underscores the importance of vigilance and compassion in recognizing abuse.

Themes

Munchausen by Proxy and Parental Control

The film’s central theme is the twisted manifestation of Munchausen by proxy, where a caregiver induces or fabricates illness in another to gain attention or control. Diane’s need to keep Chloe sick is both an expression of unresolved grief and a pathological desire to be needed. The film explores the dark side of parental love—when protection becomes possession.

Disability and Empowerment

Run subverts expectations by making its disabled protagonist the hero of her own story. Chloe’s disability is not a weakness but a source of ingenuity and resilience. The film challenges stereotypes, showing Chloe outsmarting her captor and reclaiming her agency.

Trust, Isolation, and Survival

Chloe’s journey is a study in trust—how it can be manipulated, broken, and rebuilt. Her isolation is both physical and psychological, and her fight for freedom is a testament to human survival instincts.

Revenge and Justice

The film’s ending raises questions about justice and revenge. Chloe’s act of feeding Diane the same pills is both retribution and a commentary on the cyclical nature of abuse. It’s a morally ambiguous conclusion that leaves viewers unsettled.

Box Office Collection and Critical Reception

Run was released digitally on Hulu and later on Netflix, quickly becoming one of the most-watched thrillers on both platforms. While it did not have a traditional box office run due to the pandemic, its streaming numbers were impressive, and it garnered widespread acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling and performances.

Critics praised the film’s tight pacing, atmospheric tension, and the chemistry between Paulson and Allen. Audiences responded to its relatable fears—trust, dependence, and the terror of discovering the person you rely on most is your greatest threat.

Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Run, consider watching these films that explore similar themes of captivity, psychological manipulation, and survival:

• Misery: A famous author is held captive by a deranged fan in a remote cabin.

• Room: A mother and son escape from years of captivity and struggle to adjust to freedom.

• The Act: A dramatized series based on the true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her abusive mother.

• The Girl in the Basement: Inspired by real-life cases of parental imprisonment and abuse.

• The Sixth Sense: Another film blending psychological tension with family trauma.

• The Others: A mother’s obsessive protection of her children takes a supernatural turn.

Why You Should Watch Run

• Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense: The film is a masterclass in tension, with every scene ratcheting up the stakes.

• Outstanding Performances: Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen deliver unforgettable, nuanced portrayals.

• Representation: Featuring a disabled protagonist played by a disabled actress, the film breaks new ground in Hollywood casting.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: The story delves into complex issues of control, trust, and survival.

• Unpredictable Twists: The plot keeps you guessing, with a finale that is both shocking and satisfying.

Conclusion

Run is a taut, nerve-wracking thriller that explores the darkest corners of motherhood and the indomitable will to survive. With its claustrophobic setting, relentless pacing, and powerhouse performances, it delivers both psychological depth and visceral thrills. The film’s exploration of disability, agency, and the consequences of unchecked love make it more than just a suspenseful ride—it’s a story that lingers, provoking thought and conversation long after the credits roll.

FAQs

Q: Is Run based on a true story?

A: While not directly based on real events, the film draws inspiration from real-life cases of Munchausen by proxy.

Q: Is the movie suitable for all audiences?

A: The film contains intense suspense, psychological themes, and some violence. It is best suited for teens and adults.

Q: What is Munchausen by proxy?

A: It is a mental health disorder where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care, often for attention or control.

Q: Is the actress who plays Chloe actually disabled?

A: Yes, Kiera Allen is a wheelchair user, bringing authenticity to the role.

Q: How does the film end?

A: Chloe escapes Diane’s control and, years later, enacts poetic justice by feeding Diane the same pills she was once given.

Q: What is the main message of Run?

A: The film warns against the dangers of obsessive control and celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of those who fight for their freedom.