See How They Run (2022)

 

Genre: Mystery/comedy          Time: 1 hour 38 mins            Director: Tom George

Quick summary: In 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. When a world-weary inspector and an eager rookie constable take on the case, they find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit.

I really liked this film, but honestly, I think it's because I really like all the elements put into this film more than most.

It's a wild mix-up of a British comedy that parodies a serious who-done-it mystery, all while bringing a perfect splash of meta-commentary. There are air quotes and winks at the audience with obvious elbow nudges in almost every scene. I loved all the jokes, so since the movie is exceptionally well cast and stylishly filmed, I thought it was amazing. The characters all melded wonderfully, creating their own little world and having perfect chemistry with each other.

The film starts off by actually making fun of itself and the genre of Who-done-it mysteries in a tongue-in-cheek sort of fashion. It goes on to explain, If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen one seen them all. They all begin with “an interminable prologue in which all the key players are introduced." You get a sense of the world they inhabit and then the most unlikable character gets bumped off. Cue the entrance of the "world-weary detective" who pokes his nose around, talks to witnesses, takes a couple of wrong turns, then gathers all the suspects together and points to the least likely.  Which is kinda what happens, but I won't spoil it. 

The script is pretty funny and sharp with its wit, matched with a strong visual style that gets the most out of creative staging and has plenty of fun visual jokes. The cinematography is so crisp and clean, with bold colors and patterns sticking out from behind the characters, it's honestly so pleasing to look at it.

One thing I really want to talk about is the use of side-by-side frame shots, showing off two different things at once, specifically in action scenes. It keeps you so visually entertained whilst being able to move at such a fast pace it's so stunning. Then they perfectly cut back to wide screens ratios to slow things back down, it flows together so well. I personally felt like this film would fit wonderfully being directed by Wes Anderson as it mirrors his style almost perfectly, all whilst being its own thing.

Though sometimes I did feel like I was waiting for a joke to pay off too long and it kinda fizzled out desperately, that didn't happen too often for it to be a problem. 

The cast is honestly the best part of this film. Ronan, as the charmingly sincere Stalker, executes her comic bits with flawless timing and gets the biggest laughs without ever going too far or breaking character. Stalker’s naiveté starts out as a joke, she notes down anything anyone says and believes the case closed after every interview. I really enjoyed her character, she was executed flawlessly, and honestly, it was very charming to watch her excitedly go on a tangent. 

Contrasting her bubbliness with Rockwell’s jaded, grumbling Stoppard is right out of the buddy-cop playbook, but Rockwell’s amusingly grumpy drunk persona complements Ronan’s perfectly. Stoppard just lets the hijinks happen around him with a shrug, and is somehow able to be funnier.

Again, I really enjoyed this film but others may find the nature of this kinda offputting as it constantly jabs fun at the genre and the humor isn't sutble. As well as this some people might feel a little disappointed as this film doesn't try to be too outside the box with its plot.

8/10

"It’s a whodunnit, you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all."

"A Very Capable Officer. Or She Will Be Once She Gets Proper Instruction."