Film Review: 'See How They Run': Criminally Fun

Tom George’s delectable directorial debut stars Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell as a duo of detectives investigating a suspicious murder during a theatre performance of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Set in 1950s London and imbued with the classic tropes associated with the ‘who-done-it’ subgenre, the film features an array of shady characters – each with ominous links to the murder victim. Ronan plays Constable Stalker, a rambunctious rookie detective, keen to cut her teeth in London’s criminal underbelly. Stalker is paired up with the cantankerous Inspector Stoppard (Rockwell): a jaded, alcoholic detective who is forced to tolerate his keen, yet bumbling sidekick.

As their investigation unfolds the duo encounters a range of suspects: from the egomaniac film director Leo Köpernick (played by Adrien Brody); the obtuse writer Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo); the unscrupulous theatre owner Petula Spencer (Ruth Wilson); and the dashing young Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson). Their misadventures even lead to an encounter with the real Agatha Christie. Twists and turns abound as the inquiry progresses: dead ends, suspicious friends, and jilted lovers all ensure that suspense levels remain unwavering throughout.

The flamboyant style of the film marks a departure from Tom George’s previous work on the BBC show This Country. The show made stars of siblings Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper – the latter who George reunites with in See How They Run- and earned comparisons to shows like The Office. Its understated, offbeat pace garnered it a cult following and numerous accolades. In contrast, See How They Run feels as if it were made by Wes Anderson; its vivid colours, surreal sets, and eccentric characters are all hallmarks of Anderson’s work. Many of Anderson’s recurring cast members (Brody and Ronan) appear in the film, which feels remarkably similar to The Grand Budapest Hotel – both in style and tone. Detractors may dismiss the film as reductive or derivative, though it feels more of a deliberate homage to Anderson and the crime genre of old.

Ronan shines as the inept, but thoroughly determined, Stalker. Speaking in her native accent throughout the film, somewhat unique for the Oscar nominee, she provides lashings of comic relief - often to the consternation of Rockwell’s weary character. Her accomplished performance is yet another reminder of the immense talent and versatility she possesses.

Whilst the film may offer little in the way of originality, its execution, swagger, and sublime cast, distinguish it as one of the most enjoyable films of 2022. Its camp exuberance and exquisite cinematography are a welcome antidote in a climate of doom and drudgery. In his film debut George has shown himself to be a true scholar of cinema, with a firm grasp of the power of joy and frivolity.

See How They Run is in cinemas now. For fans of Knives Out and The Grand Budapest Hotel. - ★★★☆☆