Run is a crisp and engaging thriller that rushes its twists and turns at a breakneck speed, driven by the performances of its two leads, Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen.

Chloe (Allen) is confined to a wheelchair, and battling a number of illnesses. But she has her mother (Paulson) by her side, tending to her needs, and homeschooling her.

But the future is beckoning Chloe, she has big dreams of campus life, if only an acceptance letter would find its way to their mailbox.

Things escalate when Chloe discovers some medication not with her name on it, but her mother’s. And then the film kicks into white-knuckle tension as Chloe begins to seek out the truth of her life, and the secrets her mother keeps.

Tightly paced, the film never lets up and lets the audience breathe, it buckles you down and you can’t do anything but hold on. Filled with brilliant sequences, the film escalates to an inescapable conclusion as mother’s madness becomes all consuming, and Chloe literally fights for her survival.

Smart, and well-crafted, Chaganty delivers a thriller that keeps the viewer on the edge, gasping as the truth comes out, and a final battle of wills begins.

With a couple of nods to Stephen King, one can’t help but think of Misery watching this film, but that doesn’t detract from one’s enjoyment of the film, it simply made me smile when a few familiar places and things were mentioned.

Allen is absolutely captivating in her performance, and I don’t think Paulson has ever come across as more threatening. As the pair struggle against the bonds of parent-and-child as well as madness and hope one is reminded of how good a well-crafted thriller can take the viewer in.

The film knows its genre, and knocks down any answer a cynical audience would suggest as mother controls not only Chloe, but her entire environment, and initially, her perception of it.

As the truth begins to emerge, one wonders how far mother will go, and how dangers she really is. Paulson’s performance leans into this, conveying a tightly wound madness that threatens to break free at any moment.

I didn’t hear much about this one when it was released. In fact, it bypassed a major theatrical release and went right to streaming, so if you don’t find it in your browsing you could miss it. I would recommend seeking this one out.

This is one to watch with popcorn and a beverage, and allow yourself to get completely swept up in Chloe’s story.

Highly recommended.