Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
The poster for Brittany Runs a MarathonĀ is misleading. This is a much more serious and grounded film than the image of Jillian Bell wincing with a glass of wine in one hand and a pair of shoes in the other would lead you to believe. There's plenty of humor but there are even more moments where the pain it explores runs deep. Paul Downs Colaizzoās directorial debut is subtle and honest. Combined with a tried-and-true story, great characters, and an excellent performance by Bell? You've got a journey anyone can relate to.
Brittany Forgler (Bell) laughs a lot spending her nights out with her best friend Gretchen (Alice Lee) and her shifts hungover but her life would be generously described as "empty". Worst of all, her doctor has ordered her to lose some weight. Flabbergasted by the rate the gym demands, she decides to begin running.
Some people's lives are a mess through no fault of their own. Brittany is not one of those people. Sheās 27-years-old but reality has yet to set in. She makes you laugh but it doesnāt take long to realize she has deep-rooted problems. Her low self-esteem has made her a magnet for toxic relationships and when the film begins, sheās happily acclimated to the negativity. Thereās nowhere to go for her but up and Brittany proves to be just witty and funny enough for you to want her to succeed.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the film is the way it handles Brittany. There are times where you hate her. Her insecurities almost make her more comfortable when situations are bad. Her self-sabotage makes her arc realistic. The little victories feel like they mean the world. Most characters in films grow in the most simple ways. At best, itās an āNā shape. They start at the bottom, rise, hit a snag and then overcome it. Brittanyās chart would be a zigzag. Surrounding Bell are rich side characters that make the reveal that this story is based on a real-life personās experience no surprise. Lil Rel Howery plays her brother-in-law and mentor, her no-good co-worker Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar) and her running friends Sheās got charisma so her new running friends - Catherine (Michaela Watkins) and Seth (Micah Stock) all have stories of their own. Really like the casting, the way the characters are utilized and the progressive/modern elements of the story. Even when things are a tad formulaic, it earns the emotions.
At a couple of points, Brittany Runs a MarathonĀ can feel a little low-budget, particularly during the marathon. It jumps between shots and you can tell from the lighting these people were nowhere near each other. Itās strange because every scene prior is spot-on. Jillian Bell really transforms herself as her character begins picking up the pieces. There are many laughs and tears to be shed too. Although I didnāt actually cry, I found myself surprisingly emotional during the end. (Theatrical version on the big screen, September 18, 2019)
