Brittany Runs a Marathon, 2019.
Written and Directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo.
Starring Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar, LilRel Howery, Micah Stock, and Alice Lee.
SYNOPSIS:
A woman living in New York takes control of her life- one block at a time.
The titular Brittany tries to score some Adderall from a doctor who changes the discussion to another subject, her being overweight. Britney Runs a Marathon (written and directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo making his feature-length debut) could have gone off course in its opening moments, but it treats physical health and lifestyle choices embracing both sides of the fence; body positivity and the factual stance that it’s not good to live certain ways. This crucial scene that sets the plot in motion is handled with a dramatic approach, much like at least half the movie, when the filmmakers could have easily gone the easy route and turned this into a lowbrow slapstick affair that says nothing and does more harm than good.
It’s all the more impressive with Jillian Bell front and center portraying Brittany (the story is loosely based off of a real-life friend of aforementioned director Paul Downs Colaizzo), most known for sketch comedy and supporting roles reveling in outlandishly cartoonish characters. She’s talented for sure, and also proves once again that some of the funniest performers are capable of adding layered depth and emotional gravitas to what’s on the page. Nevermind the physical transformation (the weight loss process is achieved on-screen by utilizing a combination of fat suits and Jillian Bell herself noticeably shedding pounds right before our very eyes), which is outstanding, there is a character here that is both driven and insecure, someone that does things for the right reasons and then the wrong reasons, somewhat endearing and charming that is capable of turning into an unlikable monster. Paul Downs Colaizzo said it best during a post-screening Q&A; Brittany is both the protagonist and antagonist of this resonating and relatable (in more ways than you think, considering you don’t need to be a woman or a runner to take away meaning from this experience) and fulfilling year-long journey of self-betterment.
What starts off as a fairly broad comedy with familiar characters (an intentional decision) slowly morphs into a road less traveled. And even the familiar characters turn out to be slightly more developed than one might assume, namely as an extension of Brittany’s judgmental persona. She is someone that has to work up the courage to go for a run the first time and is repulsed by what she sees in the mirror every morning, also taking out her insecurities by making all kinds of generalizations about those around her. As she continues to make progress slimming down and training to run the New York marathon in roughly one year’s time, those qualities begin to alter in a way that feels both obvious and authentic. Without spoiling anything, there are plot points here I did not anticipate Brittany Runs a Marathon to go considering it’s inspirational and feel good, but they do and it’s the reason Brittany is a fully realized character.
The same can’t be said for the supporting cast, although it’s no fault of the actors. To sum up Brittany Runs a Marathon as a narrative about a financially destitute and lost 20 something-year-old woman that’s life is going nowhere (she expresses that she is the fat funny friend that people only enjoy being around for laughs) deciding to make some healthy lifestyle changes to participate in the New York marathon and become an overall healthier person would be a disservice. To be fair, the story is not exactly subtle about it, but the bigger arc at play is watching Brittany take back control of her life and regain ambition. Naturally, this leaves a lot of window room for surrounding characters to come and go, whether it be roommates, running friends, potential boyfriends, online dating flings, and estranged family members. There’s simply not enough time to flesh them all out which becomes apparent when you factor in that the most interesting about most of them is the way that they diversify the cast. Representation is wonderful, but it certainly feels heavily forced and distracting here, taken just a smidge too far.
The only exception is Utkarsh Ambudkar who plays Jern, somewhat of a manchild carrying his own personal baggage and amusing quirks. He and Brittany meet as they both watch over rich homes and the pets of the owners while they are gone, with Jern actually being homeless and sleeping in the homes overnight. Plenty of jokes come from how mismatched and dissimilar they are, but there’s a dynamic at play regarding how they deal with personal struggles, their own wants from life, and perception of self and one another. As Brittany begins to fit society standards for beauty, she decides to set up an OkCupid account with the assistance of Jern; it’s hilarious but more importantly, is one of the most important scenes in terms of how these people see each other and themselves. The entire movie is a reminder for everyone to be kinder to themselves, and this is a moment where it rings true loudest.
The third act of Brittany Runs a Marathon does slip back into something more conventional, wringing as much drama as possible out of the upcoming marathon. Perhaps too much as the finale makes use of various clichés. However, the story as a whole is rewarding and universal; body positivity is necessary but so is taking care of one’s health. Happiness is equally necessary and takes many different forms. The real marathon is watching Brittany slowly understand all of these elements one by one, with the occasional detour for mistakes and misguided approaches. Reaching the finish line is not easy, and the same goes for navigating life.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, friend me on Facebook, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, check out my personal non-Flickering Myth affiliated Patreon, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
