Faith is both a literal and metaphorical journey in The Runaway. Kate (Tayler Johannes) is a wandering enigma, hitchhiking to an unknown destination. She is picked up by two drivers: the first, a menacing, “bad man” (Reef Williams) with unclear intentions, and then by Jake (Robert Johannes), full of compassion and vulnerability. The film shifts into clarity quickly that Jake is a devout Christian, and Kate is challenged en route to ask questions and make her own discovery about her beliefs and convictions.
The film is not a mere road trip film, but a broad study in what a faith walk looks like. Jake functions as a shepherd to Kate, never pressuring but ceaselessly challenging. The road is not easy, as the bad man lurks about and is intent on hunting Kate. Slowly but surely, we also learn more about Kate’s past, and get into her anger and psyche and hope for her healing.
The Runaway is challenging to watch at times, as it gets occasionally intense. Director Randall Johannes shows us both sides of the coin, how the journey of faith is both difficult and altogether rewarding. Much of the film encourages conversations about faith, and older audiences will likely appreciate that.
For its content in mind, Dove is proud to award the film with Approval for Ages 18+.
