Brittany Runs A Marathon

What initially appears to be a run of the mill ‘fat chick trying to lose weight’ dramedy with all the stereotyped cheesy ‘look at her she’s so fat!’ jokes and situations, is ultimately a well-conceived, inspiring and entertaining film.

Jillian Bell plays the role of Brittany, an overweight 28-year-old lady with zero self-respect suffering from high blood pressure and on the verge of being diagnosed with liver disease. Her life has stagnated owing to unhealthy lifestyle choices, so she decides to take control of her life by getting fit and training for the 22-mile New York Marathon – but will she succeed?

This film explores the importance of body image – Brittany realises that on the inside she’ll always be the same person, but was she stupid in thinking she could turn her life around by losing weight?

Handled with sensitivity, this low budget indie film which was the recipient of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award, will keep audiences laughing throughout with its sharp wit and an array of zany characters Brittany meets along her journey to well-being. (MMo)

★★★ ½