Sundance 2026 Review: Run Amok “An artistic approach to a chilling subject”

Ten years have passed since a school shooter took the lives of Meg’s mother and two others. As Meg (Alyssa Marivin) tries to process the tragedy, she faces tense, armed teachers and a constant sense of unease at school. She turns to art for comfort and an outlet to process the last decade.

With encouragement from her teacher, Mr. Shelby (Patrick Wilson), who is revered at school for stopping the shooter, Meg starts writing a musical. Using pop songs, Meg and the other students go through the emotional journey of healing, all while the school principal attempts to stop the production.

Run Amok is the directorial debut of NB Mager. Unlike typical shooter dramas, Run Amok stands out with its artistic approach to a chilling subject. This is a film that borders on being camp but doesn’t lean into it because of the subject matter. Throughout the film, there are abrupt shifts from comedic to dramatic moments. These tonal changes could risk insensitivity. However, the witty script and Alyssa Marivin’s incredible performance make the transitions feel authentic and compelling.

Run Amok takes a bold look at what might happen if teachers with PTSD were given guns. The movie raises many questions but doesn’t really answer them, leaving much to the viewer to decipher. Not everything is explained, and honestly, it’s a bit messy. That being said, that’s part of its charm. Run Amok is an odd little film with big ideas, and one thing’s certain: you won’t forget it.