Critics slam Gal Gadot's Prime Video thriller 'The Runner'
Gal Gadot's new Prime Video movie 'The Runner' is taking fire from reviewers. The outlet MovieWeb reported that critics found the plot contrived and the story thin, with one of their writers, Mark Keizer, blaming screenwriter Mark Gibson for failing to develop the main character's internal conflict.
According to the report, director Kevin Macdonald employed quick cuts and shaky camerawork from cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to keep the pace frantic, but some felt it backfired. A review cited by MovieWeb claimed the editing was so sped up it robbed scenes of a sense of geography or movement.
A separate review from JoBlo noted the film is a real-time thriller where Gadot's character, a lawyer named Maia, must race across London obeying a mysterious caller's commands to save her kidnapped son. The JoBlo review said that despite a brisk 84-minute runtime and Gadot's committed physical performance, the film ultimately feels conventional.
JoBlo's review pointed out similarities to films like 'Run Lola Run' but said 'The Runner' lacks that film's innovative storytelling, leading to an ending that feels convenient rather than surprising. The outlet also reported the film is shot in a claustrophobic 4:3 aspect ratio.
