Review & Interviews: Brittany Runs a Marathon

Brittany (Jillian Bell) is someone that like to party by nature, taking every opportunity to lose herself. Misc drinks, late night and strange men color her life and times. Heading for rock bottom, but oblivious to what’s ahead, she lives in denial and a quiet sadness.

After some medical and life events, she looks to try and better herself. With some false starts and friends that don’t always have her best interests in mind, she takes her first steps. Along the way she befriends Catherine (Michaela Watkins) and Seth (Micah Stock), two people that want to change themselves as they join Brittany on her new mission to get in proper shape to run the New York Marathon.

Also on her side is her brother-in-law Demetrius (Lil Rel Howry), a positive force that wants her to succeed. Through triumphs and failures, she works to be happy and healthy as a person that deserves such things. Another person in her corner, is a new friend named Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a lazy self-interested man that tries to support Brittany, even as he coasts through life.

Funny and moving, this film is worth a watch for anyone that wants a laugh, or perhaps, a relatable moment. Based on a true story, this tale allows viewers and even the cast to know that change is possible, albeit difficult at times. Jillian proves this as she took her own journey for the role. Training to run and become a healthier version of herself through the process of filming. Sweet and sad at the same time, this film was one of my favorites when I first viewed it at Sundance Film Festival.