You Can't Run Forever
| You Can't Run Forever | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Michelle Schumacher |
| Written by | Carolyn Carpenter Michelle Schumacher |
| Produced by | Randle Schumacher |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Pietro Villani |
| Edited by | Evan Ahlgren |
| Music by | Joe Simmons |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
Release date |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
You Can't Run Forever (formerly titled The Woods)[1] is a 2024 American thriller film written by Carolyn Carpenter and Michelle Schumacher, directed by Schumacher and starring J. K. Simmons.[2]
The film was released in the United States on May 17, 2024.[3]
Plot Summary
[edit]Ed and Jenny Cooper are expecting a baby. They live with Miranda, Jenny’s daughter, and Ed's daughter Emily from a previous marriage. Miranda suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and is on medication. Ed and Miranda leave to buy a bassinet for the baby.
On the way, they stop at a gas station and Ed and Miranda encounter Wade, who has been killing people indiscriminately. He shoots Ed as Miranda flees into the woods. The police track Wade.
Wade pursues a panic attacked Miranda in the woods using Ed's phone to taunt and track her and Jenny. Miranda encounters a family but Wade shoots all three of them. Emily joins volunteers to find Miranda.
Miranda meets Todd, the teenage son of the family she met before, who is suffering from a gunshot wound but lived. Miranda tells Todd she found her birth father’s body after he committed suicide and that caused her mental illness. Todd dies of his gunshot wounds overnight. Wade is revealed as a disgruntled college professor on a killing rampage. Miranda arrives to the nearby ranger station and reunites with Emily.
Wade decides to go to Ed and Jenny’s home. He holds Jenny hostage and calls Emily and tells her and Miranda come. After a struggle, Jenny shoots Wade and later has her baby.
Cast
[edit]- J. K. Simmons as Wade
- Allen Leech as Eddie
- Fernanda Urrejola as Jenny
- Isabelle Anaya as Miranda
- Olivia Simmons as Emily
- Max Garfin as Ben
- Nathan Vincenti as Davis
Production
[edit]In September 2021, it was announced that Simmons, Leech, Urrejola, and Anaya had been cast in the film.[4] It was also reported that same month that filming had occurred in Missoula, Montana.[5]
In January 2023, filming wrapped.[6]
Simmons confirmed in an interview with MovieWeb that the making of the film was a family collaboration since his wife co-wrote and directed the film, his brother-in-law produced it, his son composed the score of the film and his daughter makes an appearance in the film.[7]
Release
[edit]You Can't Run Forever was released in the United States on May 17, 2024.[8]
Reception
[edit]The film holds a 27% approval rating on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 15 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 4.2/10.[9] Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com awarded the film one and a half stars.[10] Will Sayre of MovieWeb rated the film a 3 out of 5.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Grobar, Matt (August 18, 2022). "'You Can't Run Forever' First Look: J.K. Simmons Stars In Thriller From Director Michelle Schumacher". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (April 28, 2023). "J.K. Simmons Thriller 'You Can't Run Forever' Gets UK Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Kelley, Aidan (11 May 2024). "J.K. Simmons Is Starring as Yet Another Bad Teacher — Here's What You Need to Know". Collider. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (2021-09-27). "J.K. Simmons, Allen Leech And Fernanda Urrejola To Star In 'The Woods'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ^ NBC Montana Staff (2021-09-20). "Movie starring J.K. Simmons shooting in Missoula". NBC Montana. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (2023-01-26). "Voltage Pictures to launch EFM Sales on J.K. Simmons thriller 'You Can't Run Forever' (exclusive)". Screen International. Archived from the original on 2023-01-26. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ^ Sayre, Will (17 May 2024). "J.K. Simmons on Going 'Psychopathic' for You Can't Run Forever and the Future of Superhero Films". MovieWeb. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Danoff, Owen (April 15, 2024). "J.K. Simmons Is A Serial Killer In You Can't Run Forever Trailer & Poster". ScreenRant. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "You Can't Run Forever". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian (May 17, 2024). "You Can't Run Forever". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Sayre, Will (18 May 2024). "You Can't Run Forever Review: J.K. Simmons Terrifies in Bare-Bones Survival Tale". MovieWeb. Retrieved May 18, 2024.