# Release and reception of film The Runner > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-film-the-runner > Updated: 2026-09-07T22:30:00.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 4. The psychological action thriller ‘The Runner’, directed by Kevin Macdonald and starring Gal Gadot, was scheduled for release on Prime Video on September 2, 2026. Set in London, the film follows attorney Maia Marten, a single mother, who must remain in constant motion to save her kidnapped, diabetic son, Noah, following instructions from a mysterious caller voiced by Damian Lewis. To save her son, Marten is forced to navigate London in real-time to complete dangerous tasks, including an attempt to assassinate a protected witness named Tafa. The kidnapper reportedly hacks the child’s insulin pump to create a medical emergency, driving the high-stakes premise. To prepare for the role, Gadot worked with an Olympic trainer to master running techniques. However, the intense physical demands of the production resulted in Gadot breaking both feet, requiring her to use crutches for parts of the filming. Following its premiere, the film received largely negative critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critical score of approximately 8%, with an audience score of 35%. While reviewers acknowledged Gadot’s physical commitment to the role, outlets such as Variety, IGN, and ScreenRant criticized the script, direction, and climax, with some describing the production as a ‘mindless’ or ‘weightless’ thriller. Critics from The Guardian, The Daily Beast, and The New York Times characterized the film as ‘generic’ and lacking ‘emotion, intelligence, and imagination,’ with some comparing the experience to a failed attempt at imitating the film ‘Speed.’ Despite the critical backlash, the film has achieved significant viewership, reaching the number one spot on Prime Video in Brazil, where it is titled ‘Corrida Contra o Tempo’ (Run Against Time). ## Claims - Kevin Macdonald directed the film. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gal Gadot plays Maia Marten, a London attorney. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Damian Lewis plays the mysterious Caller. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The film 'The Runner' premiered globally on Prime Video on September 2, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The plot involves a kidnapped son who is diabetic. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The protagonist must travel approximately eight kilometers in one hour. (single source) - Critics have largely panned the film for its script and direction. (single source) - Reviewers criticized the film's ending and twist. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Gal Gadot thriller 'The Runner' receives poor reviews Gal Gadot's new thriller 'The Runner' is facing heavy criticism, earning a low 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its lack of suspense and weak screenplay. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gal-gadot-thriller-the-runner-receives-poor-reviews ### 2026-09-04: Gal Gadot’s ‘The Runner’ tops streaming charts despite poor reviews Gal Gadot’s new Prime Video thriller ‘The Runner’ has topped streaming charts in multiple countries despite receiving critical reviews as low as 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gal-gadot-thriller-leads-prime-video-viewership-in-brazil ### 2026-09-02: Gal Gadot’s ‘The Runner’ receives poor critical reviews on Prime Video Gal Gadot’s new Prime Video thriller ‘The Runner’ has debuted to scathing reviews, earning critic scores as low as 9% despite reaching top viewership in some regions. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gal-gadot-thriller-the-runner-premieres-on-prime-video ### 2026-08-31: Gal Gadot stars in Prime Video thriller The Runner Gal Gadot stars in the new Prime Video thriller “The Runner,” a high-stakes race through London to save her kidnapped son. Gadot reportedly broke both feet during the film's intense physical production. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gal-gadot-broke-both-feet-while-filming-the-runner --- Cite as: Release and reception of film The Runner. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-film-the-runner