It’s 1953 and the West End production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been going strong, reaching its 100th performance. Blacklisted Hollywood director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) has come to London to turn the smash-hit play into a motion picture, though he’s been having some disagreements with screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo) over the direction of the film. While play producer Petula Spencer (Ruth Wilson) would love for the production to run indefinitely, film producer John Woolf (Reece Shearsmith) is eager for the play to close as his film rights stipulate that the movie cannot be released until 6 months after the West End production closes its curtain. As the cast and crew of both productions gather to celebrate the play’s 100th performance, there’s a murder backstage, and Scotland Yard is called in to investigate.

On the case are seasoned detective Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell), who has a bit of a drinking problem, and wide-eyed rookie Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan), who was just transferred to the division. Constable Stalker is eager to learn from the Inspector, literally writing down every word he says, but she has a tendency to jump to conclusions too quickly, announcing she has solved the case after each new piece of evidence is encountered or each new suspect is interviewed. The Inspector isn’t too happy to be partnered up with the talkative rookie, but just tries his best to ignore her. As the two cops investigate the case, art imitates life as a murder mystery plays out backstage at the world’s most famous murder mystery play. All of those working on the play and/or movie seem to have their own secrets and motives for committing the murder. Could it be the star Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson) who was seen fighting with the victim for hitting on his wife, co-star Sheila Sim (Pearl Chanda)? Or what about usher Dennis (Charlie Cooper), who’s treated more like a servant by the rest of the crew? Or any of those who stood to gain if the movie was shut down?

See How They Run is not only a hilarious satirical look at the murder-mystery and film genres, but also a genuine murder mystery in itself. The writing is smart and witty, weaving in real people, events and a famous play into this farcical murder mystery. The film’s investigation has lots of clever twists and turns, but it does so in a way that is also self-referential to and pokes fun at the murder mystery play within. The characters makes a lot of fun meta jokes, such as one character commenting how he hates flashbacks, and especially captions like “Three Weeks Later”, only to then have this happen in the film. Flashbacks are used heavily throughout the movie to explore and reveal the backstory and potential motives of each of the characters, but they are shot in creative ways, making use of split screens and other artistic techniques to keep the film fun and interesting. The movie also has a lot of rapid-fire tongue-in-cheek humor, such as one character stating, “Artists are supposed to reveal the truth, not perverse it. I mean how would Agatha Christie like it if someone took one of her stories and twisted it, and corrupted it, just for the hell of it?!”

The film’s ensemble cast is amazing. The actors play off one another perfectly with precision comedic timing. The two police officers are more straight-laced than the other characters, who are a little more wild and eccentric, but the way they remain straightforward in their delivery amid all the craziness adds another level to the humor, and brings a lot of laughs. Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan make a hilarious duo. Saoirse is constantly stealing the scene with Constable Stalker’s naivete and unwavering eagerness to excel at her job. She’s a people pleaser and always trying her best, despite usually getting things wrong. Ronan has such amazing comedic timing, constantly making me laugh out loud at the way she meters out her lines with such underplayed conviction. She is such a delight in this film. I would love to see her in more comedic roles like this.

The writers have managed to walk the tight line between parody and homage, giving a thoroughly entertaining film that I will definitely be watching again and again. There is so much going on in each scene that you find new things you missed each time around. I had first seen this in the theater, but enjoyed it just as much the second time around on this digital release, despite already knowing who the killer is. I noticed new clues and jokes I missed the first time, and laughed all over again at other moments. The film also has a fun look and feel. It transports the viewer back to 1950s London with beautiful, colorful sets and locations, while also making use of some creative camera shots and filming styles to give it a fresh, modern feel.

Normally in my reviews, I comment on the audio and video presentation of the release, but I watched this film via a watermarked screener that doesn’t really reflect the final quality of the consumer product. The screener did have access to the bonus material that will be included with the digital release. This includes a highly-entertaining 25-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with the cast and filmmakers.

See How They Run arrives on digital platforms today from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, and is also now streaming on HBO Max, so there’s no excuse not to check it out! It’s definitely worth it especially for fans of comedies and/or murder mysteries.

What’s Included:

Digital specs and bonus material availability may vary by platform/retailer.

Film: (1:38:09)

• 2160p / Widescreen 1.85:1
• Dolby Vision
• Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles: English

Extras:

• See How They Run: Behind The Curtain (25:47)
  In this extensive making-of featurette, the cast and filmmakers discuss the challenges and benefits of starting production during the lockdown, the inspiration for the film, the characters and tropes, playing with the audience’s knowledge of cinema, the meta story within the story, weaving in historical events and people, the duo of Saoirse & Sam, working with the cast, working with director Tom George, the use of improvisation, creating 1950s London in the sets and costumes, filming during the pandemic and the amazing filming locations that opened up, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Tom George, writer Mark Chappell, producer Damian Jones, production designer Amanda McArthur, set decorator Celia De La Hay, director of photography Jamie D. Ramsay, costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux, Savoy director of entertainment Antoinette Kennedy, and stars Ruth Wilson (“Petula Spencer”), David Oyelowo (“Mervyn Cocker-Norris”), Saoirse Ronan (“Constable Stalker”), Sam Rockwell (“Inspector Stoppard”), Adrien Brody (“Leo Köpernick”), Reece Shearsmith (“John Woolf”), Charlie Cooper (“Dennis”), Paul Chahidi (“Fellowes”), Pearl Chanda (“Sheila Sim”), Pippa Bennett-Warner (“Ann Saville”), Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (“Gio”) & Harris Dickinson (“Richard Attenborough”).
  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts:

See How They Run is is a cleverly written film that works both as satire of the murder-mystery genre but also as a genuine murder mystery in itself. The film features a hilarious and talented ensemble cast, many of whom you may not have realized could be so funny. I can’t comment on the audio/video quality of the digital release, but the bonus material includes an excellent behind-the-scenes featurette that will surely please fans. This release comes highly recommended based on the quality and rewatchbility of the film itself.

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See How They Run

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See How They Run (includes Bonus Content)

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(as of November 18, 2024 06:18 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)