Film Review: “Brittany Runs A Marathon” For Self- Care
While most of us discuss self-love, there is a step after it: self-care. For many people, their health and image is tied to their emotions. When you are feeling down, you might just be willing to wear some dirty sweats, shoes with holes, and scarf down a triple-bacon burger with cheese fries. Moreover, you might be willing to this every day. Is it healthy? NO! Yet, you might not notice it because, when your self-esteem is so low, self-image feels like a foreign term. Written and directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo, Brittany Runs A Marathon shows that how your body functions can be a reflection of how your spirit is functioning, as well.
Based off of a true story, Jillian Bell plays Brittany Forlger; who, in the beginning, represents the nightmare version of Millennials. It is as if Colaizzo wrote her to embody Millies’ worst stereotypes: we are self-loathing, bitter “lost people” that can’t find a career as we take up random temp-jobs. Yet, we sure can “get lit!” While this image can be true for some, Bell adds nuance by showing your choices to self-destruct can feel very valid, especially if you cannot catch a break. Life is hard and it doesn’t, necessarily, “lighten up” because you feel bad about its harshness. Hence, at least once, you will NOT love yourself. You might even go out of your way to hurt yourself or make poor life choices just because you cannot believe a better one is possible for YOU! Basically, Jillian Bell’s Brittany thinks she is a living “mistake” and could use a hug from Mr.Rogers.
Brittany Runs A Marathon – Official Trailer | Amazon Studios
As the film progresses, Brittany decides to run the NYC Marathon, hence the title, and prove to herself and others that she can be disciplined, determined, and……. even loving. Thus, with her new attitude, comes new people in her life like, Michaela Watkins’ Catherine, Micah Stock’s Seth, and Utkarsh Ambudkar’s Jern. Each are funny, warm, and eager to show Brittany she is lovable. Still, while each of these characters may be “fitter” than Brittany, they are not, necessarily, healthier. Therefore, the magic of Brittany Runs A Marathon is that each character has their issues and doubt, which can take physical holds like, Catherine’s drug addiction. Yet, they are trying to be better in mind, body, and soul because you just have to.
Brittany Runs a Marathon: Jillian Bell with Kate McKinnon
You cannot rely on life to always treat you well, but you can rely on yourself to do sp. Bell makes Brittany’s realization of this truth both hilarious and heartwarming. Growing up, I think I speak for everyone who felt annoyed by the signature, parental rebuttal of,” Because you have to!” Now, older, the power of these words feels bigger and wiser. You simply need to be your own friend even when you are most alone in life because you might not get the dream job, lover, or body, but you can still manage to love yourself as if you are your own dream. That is message of Brittany Runs A Marathon: whether you notice or not, people can see how you love yourself. Brittany Runs A Marathon Comes Out In Theater August 23.
