You Can't Run Forever

You Can't Run Forever (formerly titled The Woods)^[1] is a 2024 American thriller film written by Carolyn Carpenter and Michelle Schumacher, directed by Schumacher and starring J. K. Simmons.^[2]

You Can't Run Forever
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Michelle Schumacher
Written by	Carolyn Carpenter Michelle Schumacher
Produced by	Randle Schumacher
Starring	J. K. Simmons Allen Leech Fernanda Urrejola Isabelle Anaya Olivia Simmons Max Garfin Nathan Vincenti
Cinematography	Pietro Villani
Edited by	Evan Ahlgren
Music by	Joe Simmons
Production companies	Rubber Tree Productions Voltage Pictures
Distributed by	Lionsgate
Release date	May 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)
Running time	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The film was released in the United States on May 17, 2024.^[3]

Plot Summary

Ed and Jenny Cooper are expecting a baby. They live with Miranda, Jenny’s daughter, and Ed's daughter Emily from a previous marriage. Miranda suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and is on medication. Ed and Miranda leave to buy a bassinet for the baby.

On the way, they stop at a gas station and Ed and Miranda encounter serial killer Wade, who has been killing people indiscriminately. He shoots Ed as Miranda flees into the woods. The police track Wade.

Wade pursues a panic attacked Miranda in the woods using Ed's phone to taunt and track her and Jenny. Miranda encounters a family but Wade shoots all three of them. Emily joins volunteers to find Miranda.

Miranda meets Todd, the teenage son of the family she met before, who is suffering from a gunshot wound but lived. Miranda tells Todd she found her birth father’s body after he committed suicide and that caused her mental illness. Todd dies of his gunshot wounds overnight. Wade is revealed as a disgruntled college professor on a killing rampage. Miranda arrives to the nearby ranger station and reunites with Emily.

Wade decides to go to Ed and Jenny’s home. He holds Jenny hostage and calls Emily and tells her and Miranda come. After a struggle, Jenny shoots Wade and later has her baby.

Cast

• J. K. Simmons as Wade
• Allen Leech as Eddie
• Fernanda Urrejola as Jenny
• Isabelle Anaya as Miranda
• Olivia Simmons as Emily
• Max Garfin as Ben
• Nathan Vincenti as Davis

Production

In September 2021, it was announced that Simmons, Leech, Urrejola, and Anaya had been cast in the film.^[4] It was also reported that same month that filming had occurred in Missoula, Montana.^[5]

In January 2023, filming wrapped.^[6]

Simmons confirmed in an interview with MovieWeb that the making of the film was a family collaboration since his wife co-wrote and directed the film, his brother-in-law produced it, his son composed the score of the film and his daughter makes an appearance in the film.^[7]

Release

You Can't Run Forever was released in the United States on May 17, 2024.^[8]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 27% of 15 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.2/10.^[9] Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com awarded the film one and a half stars.^[10] Will Sayre of MovieWeb rated the film a 3 out of 5.^[11]