Running on Empty (2024 film)

Running on Empty is a 2024 romantic comedy science fiction film written and directed by Daniel André and starring Lucy Hale and Keir Gilchrist.

Running on Empty
Directed by	Daniel André
Screenplay by	Daniel André
Produced by	Daniel André Robert Ogden Barnum Greg Lauritano Lucas Jarach Luke Daniels
Starring	Lucy Hale Keir Gilchrist
Cinematography	Matt Klammer
Edited by	Ethan Maniquis
Music by	Keith Weidner
Production companies	Redwire Pictures Analog77 Films
Distributed by	Lionsgate
Release date	August 9, 2024 (2024-08-09)
Running time	91 minutes [1]
Country	United States
Language	English

Premise

Set in the near future in San Fernando Valley, California, the technology exists for a mortician to discover how long he has left to live, and he decides to make the most of every day.^[2]

Cast

• Lucy Hale as Kate
• Keir Gilchrist as Mort
• Emelina Adams as Olivia
• Dustin Milligan as Randall
• Francesca Eastwood as Nicole
• Monica Potter as Elaine
• Clara McGregor as Brittany
• Leslie Stratton as Rita
• Dylan Flashner as Nathaniel
• Isaac C. Singleton Jr. as Big Rey
• Jim Gaffigan as Barry
• Rhys Coiro as Simon
• Jay Pharoah as Sid

Production

The project was announced in 2022 with the title Mort in Sherman Oaks. It is written and directed by Daniel André in his feature length debut.^[3] It is produced by Robert Ogden Barnum, Greg Lauritano, Lucas Jarach, Luke Daniels and Daniel André.^[4]

The cast is led by Lucy Hale and Keir Gilchrist and also includes Jim Gaffigan, Jay Pharoah, Rhys Coiro and Monica Potter.^[5]

Release

The film was released by Lionsgate on 9 August 2024.^[1]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Running on Empty holds an approval rating of 17% from 18 reviews.^[6]

Ben Gibbons for Screen Rant praised Lucy Hale's performance which "shines in the film" and said that "Keir Gilchrist and Hale have great chemistry" but criticised the script. ^[1] Monica Castillo for Rogerebert.com said the film has a "playful premise" but criticised the script which "quickly falls apart with repeated jokes".^[7]