Brittany Runs a Marathon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman tries to get Adderall, accidentally gets told she needs to exercise, and then runs a marathon, mostly to prove people wrong, even though she’s kind of the worst person in the process.

🍿 Brittany Runs a Marathon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Brittany’s Wake-Up Call

Brittany Forgler is a witty but self-destructive 28-year-old living in New York City. After visiting a doctor for an Adderall prescription, she receives a harsh dose of reality: her health is at risk due to her weight. The doctor advises her to lose weight, setting her on a path to change her lifestyle.

From One Block to a Marathon

Unable to afford a gym, Brittany starts running outside, beginning with just one block. She joins a running group led by her neighbor Catherine, and befriends Seth, a fellow runner. Together, they set a seemingly impossible goal: to run the New York City Marathon. Their camaraderie becomes a strong source of support.

Obstacles and Setbacks

Brittany faces numerous challenges including strained friendships, financial struggles, and a stress fracture that threatens her ability to run the marathon. Her pride and insecurities cause friction in her relationships, particularly with Catherine. She moves in with Jern, a fellow dog-sitter, complicating her relationships further.

Finding Herself

After a period of discouragement, Brittany visits her sister and brother-in-law for support. She returns to New York, reconnects with her friends, and focuses on improving her life beyond just physical fitness. She lands a job in advertising, showcasing her skills and determination. Ultimately, Brittany confronts her inner demons and strives for personal growth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brittany (Jillian Bell): A hard-partying, overweight New Yorker who decides to turn her life around by training for the New York City Marathon.
• Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar): A fellow dog-sitter who becomes Brittany’s friend and romantic interest, sharing a similar sense of being adrift.
• Catherine (Michaela Watkins): Brittany’s seemingly perfect neighbor who encourages her to start running and reveals her own struggles.
• Seth (Micah Stock): A fellow runner in Brittany’s running group, striving to get healthy.
• Gretchen (Alice Lee): Brittany’s roommate, a teacher’s assistant chasing social media fame, whose lifestyle clashes with Brittany’s evolving journey.
• Demetrius (Lil Rel Howery): Brittany’s brother-in-law, who serves as a father figure and provides her with heartfelt advice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brittany: “I’m gonna run a marathon.” – Brittany declares her ambitious goal, marking the pivotal moment when she commits to transforming her life.
• Brittany: “I can’t afford to be this broken.” – This line encapsulates Brittany’s realization that she needs to make a change for her own well-being, both physically and emotionally.
• Catherine: “The first mile is always the worst.” – Catherine offers words of encouragement to Brittany, reflecting the challenges of starting a difficult journey.
• Demetrius: “You gotta love yourself first, Brit.” – Demetrius provides Brittany with crucial advice about self-acceptance, highlighting a key theme of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13 million
• Domestic Gross: $7,189,808
• Worldwide Gross: $7,464,678

💥 Brittany Runs a Marathon Reviews

Personal Review

I really connected with Brittany’s journey. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about finding yourself when you feel completely lost. Seeing her struggle and push through reminded me of my own challenges. The running montage was especially inspiring, and I found myself tearing up at the end when she crossed the finish line. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a little motivation! The supporting characters were so well-developed and added so much depth to the story. I laughed, I cried, and I left the theater feeling genuinely hopeful. It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of feel-good movies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of self-improvement”
  • “Those who appreciate comedies with dramatic elements”
  • “Runners and fitness enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Discussion of weight and body image issues”
  • “Implied drug use”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Jillian Bell delivers a career-defining performance in this unexpectedly heartfelt and hilarious film about self-discovery. While the plot may be familiar, the film’s authenticity and Bell’s relatable portrayal of Brittany elevate it beyond typical feel-good fare. Colaizzo’s direction is sharp, creating a film that is both funny and deeply moving.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Brittany Runs a Marathon is a charming and relatable story about overcoming obstacles and finding self-worth. Jillian Bell shines as Brittany, bringing both humor and vulnerability to the role. The film stumbles slightly in its final act, but it ultimately delivers a positive and uplifting message.
• Variety: “While it ticks off the boxes of an underdog story and delivers many predictable elements, Jillian Bell’s commitment to the lead role keeps the film afloat. The message, while well-intended, becomes slightly muddied by the protagonist’s less-than-likeable personality, offering a refreshing, if at times uncomfortable, view of self-improvement.

Audience Reactions

Jillian Bell’s performance is incredible, showcasing her range and comedic talent.: Viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of struggles with body image and self-esteem.

The movie is both funny and emotionally resonant, creating a powerful and uplifting experience.: Many found the film inspirational and relatable, especially those who have faced similar challenges.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and funny film with a strong lead performance, exploring themes of self-discovery and perseverance, though some find the main character unlikable at times.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s real-life friend, Brittany O’Neill, who inspired the character and the journey.”
• “Jillian Bell underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, losing approximately 40 pounds during filming to authentically portray Brittany’s weight loss journey.”
• “The production was granted permission to film during the actual New York City Marathon, marking a rare instance of a non-documentary film crew being allowed to shoot within the event.”

🖥️ How to Watch Brittany Runs a Marathon?

Brittany Runs a Marathon is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV+, where you may need a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand from services like Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Brittany Runs a Marathon, you might like these similar films:

• I Feel Pretty (2018): Both films explore themes of body image, self-esteem, and personal transformation through humor and relatable characters.
• Run Fatboy Run (2007): A comedic take on an underdog trying to win back his ex by running a marathon.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Features a dysfunctional but lovable family rallying around a central goal, highlighting themes of perseverance and self-acceptance.
• I, Tonya (2017): Like Brittany, Tonya Harding is a flawed character who’s trying to get better. Both movies are loosely based on a true story.

🛒 Brittany Runs a Marathon Related Products

• Brittany Runs a Marathon [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of Brittany Runs a Marathon and add this inspirational film to your movie collection. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and cast interviews. A collector’s item for fans of the film.
• Inspirational Running Journal: Brittany’s Marathon Edition: A beautifully designed journal to track your own running progress, set goals, and record your thoughts and feelings, inspired by Brittany’s journey. Includes motivational quotes from the movie and tips for staying on track.
• Running Motivation Playlist (Digital Download): An MP3 playlist featuring upbeat and inspiring songs to power your workouts, curated with tracks that Brittany might have listened to during her training. Get the motivation you need to go the extra mile.
• Brittany Runs a Marathon: The Home Workout Challenge (Fitness App): A fitness app based on the movie’s training regimen. Challenge yourself with daily workouts inspired by Brittany’s journey, track your progress, and earn rewards. Includes virtual races and motivational tips to help you achieve your fitness goals. Integrates with fitness trackers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Brittany Runs a Marathon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lone Ranger” – performed by Gyom Amphoux
• “High Hopes” – performed by Panic! At The Disco

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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