HUNT OR BE HUNTED - THE RUNNING MAN
Director: Edgar Wright
Genre: Sci-Fi Adventure
Release Date: November 12th 2025
The 2025 version of The Running Man directed by Edgar Wright, based loosely on the Stephen King novel of the same name, stars Glen Powell as the desperate father caught in a brutal televised survival game for an attempt at a better life for his family . Powell delivers a spectacle with ambition and style. We enter through its dystopian setup and high intensity hunt with to gain high reward. This movie really gave Glen Powell his time to shine as i personally think he was outstanding in his role. The energy and adrenaline is definitely evident thoroughly.
From start to finish, the film barrels forward. The plot is sharp, in dystopian times, a financially and emotionally struggling father enters a deadly reality show to save his sick daughter, the main thing at stake is his life. The risk of being hunted by elite killers while broadcasted live to a blood thirsty public for 30 days. It really becomes 'Hunt or be hunted' as retaliation is essential to succeed. The Running Man leans into pure mayhem through neon-lit cityscapes, corporate dystopia, and a world where surveillance, desperation, and media exploitation thrive.
Powell’s portrayal of the protagonist brings an impressive edge. He’s not a super human, he’s a flawed, angry man who's frustrated by systemic inequality, and desperate to defy the odds for his child’s health and family's future. The supporting cast, (Josh Brolin,Colman Domingo, Michael Cera) add credibility and weight to the dystopian world, helping populate the story with vivid faces behind the corruption, while also giving small moments of comedic relief.
The film’s action scenes are a thrilling wild, often having you flinching. Part of me wishes I had watched in 3D. There are narrow escapes, near misses and pure chaos that showcase practical stunts, and a kinetic visual style that often works in the film’s favor. Cinematically, the audience are kept hanging onto their seats.
The movie alternates between gritty dystopian despair, action and adrenaline and to occasional hints of dark humour, without ever committing fully to any single mood. In its final act, the build-up to rebellion and revolution feels like a reward, almost satisfying the audience. While Powell's character is not perfect, it feels like rooting for the under dog, some might even say anti hero.
Technically, the film is sleek and polished as production design leans hard into retro/futurist aesthetics through neon signs, corporate propaganda imagery and claustrophobic living spaces. The looming presence of surveillance technology paint a believable near-future world. it makes you wonder if this is the direction in which we are heading, especially with the increase of AI.
At 2+ hours runtime, the film can feel bloated at times but trust me when I say this is not often here. Some of the action exhilarates and performances given thrill.It’s worth a watch if you’re up for cinematic energy, thrill and a world of chaos. Once again I have to applaud Glen Powell on his performance. Personally, this movie EASILY entered my top 5 of 2025.