The Runner (Short) Review

4 star gruesome short story/music video.

The Runner is a strange and compelling creation written, directed and produced by American synth pop duo Boy Harsher, a.k.a. Augustus Muller and Jae Matthews. It is available to stream on Shudder from Jan 16th 2022.

“You don’t have to do this. I can help you. Just come back.”

In the grip of a pandemic and unable to tour, the band realised that their latest album felt like a soundtrack and the idea for the film was born. There isn’t a massive amount of plot, a strange woman, The Runner (Kris Esfandari) is seen running through the Massachusetts woods covered in blood.

She appears to move through a small town leaving a trail of death and destruction behind her. Every now and again she calls a mystery man who tells her everything will be alright, although we don’t believe him.

Interspersed with her story is footage of the band, rehearsing, performing and being interviewed about their new album, entitled The Runner.

This is an excellent idea for a film and for a music video and although I was unfamiliar with their music prior to this film I found it thoroughly enjoyable. It’s dark and brooding with great music which really does seem to tell a story.

Well worth 38 minutes of your time and a must watch for fans.

“I can feel pretty broken sometimes. And there’s something about sticking your hands in these sounds and controlling them, it just makes me feel normal, at least for a little while.”

The Runner is available to stream now on Shudder.