Watch Running Naked

Running Naked is a heartwarming and emotional movie released in 2020, directed by Victor Buhler, which revolves around the lives of two best friends, Ben and Mark, who have been together since childhood. They have always shared a special bond, but their friendship is put to the test when they face some of the most difficult and challenging situations in their life.

The story begins with Ben (Matthew McNulty) receiving news that he has been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, and he has only a few weeks left to live. Upon hearing the devastating news, Mark (Andrew Gower) drops everything and rushes to be with his best friend.

As Ben is struggling to come to terms with his fate, Mark comes up with a wild idea to make their remaining days worthwhile. He decides to take Ben on a hilarious and heartwarming journey across the U.K, while the two of them sprint naked through the streets of London, Manchester, and Glasgow to raise money for Ben's favorite charity, St. Catherine's Hospice.

Along the way, they meet several individuals who have been affected by cancer, and they bond over their shared experiences. They also encounter unexpected hurdles, including a moment when they’re chased by the police. But, their unwavering spirit keeps them going.

Running Naked is an emotional tale that is elevated by the friendship of Mark and Ben. Their dedication to bringing joy to others, even when facing their own mortality, is touching and inspiring. At its core, Running Naked is about the power of friendship and the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The pacing of the movie is excellent – from the awkward beginning to the final, emotional moments, the film manages to avoid ever feeling overly sentimental. The humor and quirkiness of certain scenes only add to the film's impact. At no point does Running Naked feel maudlin or emotionally manipulative.

Tamzin Merchant plays the role of Jess, Ben's oncologist. She brings a sensible, no-nonsense approach that provides contrast to Mark’s carefree personality. Despite the limited screen time, Merchant masterfully portrays the role of a dedicated oncologist and someone who is genuinely invested in Ben's situation. Merchant is convincing and empathetic in every scene she appears.

Matthew McNulty steals the show as Ben. McNulty plays the role with great depth and sensitivity. Even as the character is in unbearable pain or difficult moments, McNulty's naturalistic portrayal of Ben always feels authentic, and his connection with Andrew Gower’s Mark is palpable.

Andrew Gower as Mark is effervescent and magnetic. His portrayal of a free-spirited and wild character is absolute, and his friendship with Ben is the backbone of the movie. Gower brings a sense of positivity and optimism, making the audience root for him throughout the movie.

The screenplay by Michael Knowles and Victor Buhler is witty, insightful, and touching. The script tugs at one's heartstrings without ever feeling heavy or cloying. The writing allows the film to soar while featuring the comedic moments that are necessary to provide relief from the otherwise challenging subject matter.

The movie's production values are exceptional; the cinematography is stunning. The visual contrasts brilliantly with the emotional turmoil, and the final result is a visually stunning set of scenes. The soundtrack captures the mood of each moment and adds another layer, making the experience all the more immersive.

In conclusion, Running Naked is a stunning, hilarious, and emotional film that never feels formulaic. It's a movie that will leave a lasting impression and leaves its viewers with a sense of hope and purpose. Anyone who has ever lost a loved one to cancer will find this movie particularly poignant. But everyone else who watches will find themselves empathizing with Ben and Mark, who remind us to be present and enjoy every moment of life. A truly remarkable movie that anyone can enjoy.

Running Naked is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.