Run Rabbit Run (2023) is an Australian psychological horror film directed by Daina Reid and written by Hannah Kent. The movie stars Sarah Snook, known for her role in Succession, as the lead character Sarah, along with Lily LaTorre, Damon Herriman, and Greta Scacchi in supporting roles. The film blends psychological horror with family drama, creating a tense atmosphere that explores the darker aspects of grief, memory, and motherhood.

The story follows Sarah, a determined woman who works as a fertility doctor. Her life is turned upside down when her young daughter, Mia, begins to display unsettling behavior, including claiming to have memories of a past life. This strange development forces Sarah to confront her own buried trauma related to her mother’s death and the unresolved emotional scars from her past. As Mia’s behavior grows increasingly erratic, Sarah finds herself questioning her sanity, as well as the reality of what is happening to her daughter.

A central theme of Run Rabbit Run is the complex relationship between mother and daughter. Sarah’s struggle to protect her child while grappling with her own unresolved trauma creates a deeply emotional narrative. Sarah’s fear of losing Mia to the same tragic fate that befell her mother adds layers to the story, as she fights against both external supernatural forces and internal psychological battles. This tension between love and fear creates an eerie sense of dread throughout the film.

The performances in Run Rabbit Run are one of the film’s strongest aspects. Sarah Snook delivers a standout performance as Sarah, capturing the emotional complexity of her character. As Sarah tries to understand Mia’s strange behavior while battling her own internal demons, Snook’s portrayal draws the audience into her turmoil. Lily LaTorre, as Mia, also excels in conveying the unsettling nature of her character, adding a chilling presence to the film. The supporting cast, including Damon Herriman and Greta Scacchi, further enrich the storyline with their nuanced performances.

Visually, Run Rabbit Run uses its Australian setting to create an atmosphere of isolation and unease. The film’s cinematography, combined with its haunting score, adds to the growing sense of dread as the plot unfolds. The quiet, rural landscapes contrast sharply with the mounting psychological tension, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped in a world where nothing is as it seems. The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly and steadily as Sarah’s mental state begins to unravel.

In conclusion, Run Rabbit Run is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully blends horror with emotional depth. The film’s exploration of grief, trauma, and the supernatural is both compelling and unsettling. Through its strong performances, atmospheric direction, and haunting storytelling, Run Rabbit Run offers a chilling portrayal of a woman’s descent into fear and confusion. It’s a film that keeps audiences on edge, questioning what is real and what is merely a product of a troubled mind.