Sarah Prefers to Run ( 2013 )

Sarah Prefers to Run: A Study of Determination and Isolation

Sarah Prefers to Run, a 2013 Canadian film directed by Chloé Robichaud, is a compelling and nuanced character study of a young, introverted runner named Sarah. The film explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, the pressures of high-performance athletics, and the complexities of female identity in a world often defined by external expectations. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the sacrifices we are willing to endure in pursuit of our goals. While seemingly straightforward, the narrative weaves a delicate tapestry of emotional and psychological challenges, making it a rich and rewarding cinematic experience.

Synopsis

Sarah, a talented long-distance runner living in Quebec City, possesses an unwavering dedication to her sport. She is driven, focused, and intensely private. Her life revolves around training, and she seems most comfortable when pushing her physical limits. When she is accepted into a prestigious university athletics program in Montreal, she faces a daunting financial hurdle. To secure funding, she enters into a marriage of convenience with Antoine, a fellow runner she barely knows. This arrangement, born out of necessity, becomes a catalyst for profound changes in Sarah's life, forcing her to confront her own emotional limitations and the nature of her relationships. In Montreal, Sarah navigates the rigorous demands of her training regime, the complexities of her unconventional marriage, and the subtle pressures of her new social environment, all while battling an undiagnosed medical condition that threatens to derail her aspirations.

Characters

The strength of Sarah Prefers to Run lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and struggles. Here's a closer look at the key players:

Themes

Several significant themes are explored throughout Sarah Prefers to Run:

Ambition and Sacrifice

Sarah's unwavering ambition is the driving force behind her actions. She is willing to make significant sacrifices, including entering into a marriage of convenience, to pursue her athletic dreams. The film examines the extent to which one should prioritize personal goals over personal well-being and authentic connection.

Isolation and Loneliness

Despite being surrounded by people, Sarah experiences a profound sense of isolation. Her introverted nature and difficulty expressing emotions create a barrier between her and others. The film explores the challenges of connecting with others and the consequences of emotional detachment.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Sarah's journey is one of self-discovery. As she navigates the challenges of her new life in Montreal, she begins to question her own identity and her understanding of herself. The film explores the complexities of defining oneself, particularly within the context of high-performance athletics.

The Pressure of Performance

The film highlights the immense pressure placed on athletes to perform at their peak. The relentless training regime, the expectations of coaches and teammates, and the internal pressure to succeed create a stressful and demanding environment. Sarah's undiagnosed medical condition further exacerbates this pressure, adding another layer of complexity to her struggles.

Female Identity and Expectations

Sarah Prefers to Run subtly critiques societal expectations placed on young women. Sarah's unconventional choices, particularly her marriage of convenience, challenge traditional notions of romance and relationships. The film also explores the pressure on women to conform to certain ideals of beauty and femininity, which Sarah largely rejects.

Narrative Structure and Style

Robichaud employs a minimalist and understated narrative style, allowing the characters' emotions and internal conflicts to unfold gradually. The film relies heavily on visual storytelling, using subtle gestures and facial expressions to convey Sarah's inner turmoil. The pacing is deliberate, reflecting the rhythm of Sarah's training and the slow, incremental changes in her life.

The film's cinematography is characterized by long takes and natural lighting, creating a sense of realism and intimacy. The use of close-ups emphasizes Sarah's vulnerability and allows the audience to connect with her on a deeper level. The soundtrack is sparse and evocative, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.

Themes and Symbolism Explained in Detail

The film is a rich tapestry of symbols and understated themes that add layers to Sarah's story. It is not merely about running, but about the lengths one goes to for ambition, and the sacrifices that come with it.

The Running Itself

Running is not just Sarah's passion; it's an escape, a coping mechanism, and a metaphor for her life. The repetitive motion, the physical exertion, and the solitary nature of the sport mirror her emotional detachment and her tendency to withdraw from difficult situations. Running is where she feels in control, a stark contrast to the unpredictable nature of her personal life. It represents her ambition, her drive, and her desire to push her limits.

The Marriage of Convenience

The marriage to Antoine is a purely transactional arrangement, devoid of genuine affection or emotional intimacy. It symbolizes Sarah's willingness to compromise her personal values in pursuit of her goals. The arrangement highlights the economic pressures faced by aspiring athletes and the sacrifices they are often forced to make. It's also a commentary on societal expectations surrounding marriage and relationships, questioning the notion that romantic love is the sole basis for a successful partnership.

Sarah's Health Condition

Sarah's fainting spells and physical vulnerability represent the fragility of her ambition. The undiagnosed condition underscores the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over external achievements. It also highlights the potential dangers of pushing oneself to the limit, particularly when neglecting one's physical and mental health. Her secrecy about it shows how ashamed and worried she is about being excluded because of a weakness that she feels would take her dream away from her.

The Color Palette

The film utilizes a muted and desaturated color palette, reflecting the emotional coolness and detachment that characterize Sarah's personality. The predominantly grey and blue tones create a somber and introspective atmosphere, mirroring Sarah's inner world. Brighter colors are used sparingly, often associated with moments of connection or fleeting joy, emphasizing their rarity and significance.

Zoé as a Foil

Zoé, Sarah's roommate, serves as a foil, highlighting Sarah's emotional limitations. Zoé is outgoing, expressive, and comfortable with intimacy, qualities that Sarah struggles to embrace. Zoé's open approach to relationships and life contrasts sharply with Sarah's guarded nature, prompting the audience to consider the different ways of navigating personal connections.

Critical Reception

Sarah Prefers to Run received positive reviews from critics, who praised Robichaud's direction, Desmarais' performance, and the film's nuanced exploration of its themes. Critics lauded the film's understated approach and its ability to create a compelling character study without resorting to melodrama. The film was nominated for several awards, including the Best Canadian Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Impact and Legacy

Sarah Prefers to Run is considered a significant contribution to Canadian cinema, showcasing the talent of a rising female filmmaker. The film's success helped to establish Robichaud as a prominent voice in contemporary cinema and paved the way for her subsequent projects. The film's exploration of themes such as ambition, isolation, and female identity continues to resonate with audiences, sparking discussions about the pressures of modern life and the importance of self-discovery.

Conclusion

Sarah Prefers to Run is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of ambition, isolation, and self-discovery. Through its nuanced characters, understated narrative style, and evocative visuals, the film offers a compelling portrait of a young woman struggling to navigate the challenges of her life. Sarah's journey is a reminder that pursuing our dreams often requires sacrifice, but that it is essential to prioritize our own well-being and cultivate authentic connections with others. It's a film that challenges us to examine our own values and the choices we make in pursuit of our goals, leaving a lasting impression long after the screen fades to black.