Starring: Maxine Peake, Will Forte, Edward Macliam
Director: Steph Green
Rating: 4/5
Steph Green has made a name for herself with commercials and short films in recent years, but this week sees her make the leap into feature film with Run & Jump.
An American doctor travels to Ireland to study the Casey family after 38-year-old Conor suffers a stroke, which changes his personality, leaving dynamo wife and mother Vanetia to care for him and the rest of the family.
Steph Green is a director that we really should be getting excited about, as she has delivered a truly wonderful directorial debut.
Run & Jump is set to be one of the most heart-warming films of the summer, and is packed with fantastic performances from a very experienced cast.
However, it is Maxine Peake who really stands out in the central role of Vanetia: one of the most complex female characters we have seen on the big screen in some time.
She truly gets under the skin of this character, and shows that she is struggling with the tough transition that she is facing at home.
Vanetia is a terrific 3D character, as Peake shows off her strength as well as her vulnerability and fear: not to mention the larger than life aspect to her personality.
Will Forte is also terrific as Dr. Ted Fielding - he filmed Run & Jump before Nebraska, and this is the first time that he has really tackled a dramatic film such as this.
It is not hard to see why Alexander Payne tapped him up for Nebraska, as he is fascinating as the awkward doctor.
Forte and Peake really do have terrific chemistry, and the moments where they share the screen are some of the best in the film.
Run & Jump is a film that is as funny and moving as it is charming: Green really has depicted just how messy life and relationships can be.
Run & Jump is a beautifully written script, which is packed with heart: you really can't help but root for these wonderfully crafted characters.
Green really has delivered a great film, where experienced stars and new directing talent are truly allowed to shine.
Check out our Steph Green interview as we caught up with her to chat about Run & Jump.
Run & Jump is released 23rd May.