Run Amok is a 2026 American drama film written and directed by NB Mager in her feature directorial debut. It is based on her Oscar-qualifying short film of the same name. The film stars Alyssa Marvin, Patrick Wilson, Margaret Cho, Elizabeth Marvel, and Molly Ringwald.
It premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2026.
Contents
Premise
Meg (Alyssa Marvin), a high school student, attempts to process the aftermath of a school tragedy by staging an elaborate musical about the "one day her high school wishes it could forget." Her artistic endeavor brings her into conflict with the adults in her community, whose platitudes and empty promises obscure the genuine emotional processing needed by the students.
Cast
Alyssa Marvin as Meg
Patrick Wilson as Mr. Shelby
Margaret Cho as Principal Linda
Sophia Torres as Penny
Elizabeth Marvel as Nancy
Molly Ringwald as Aunt Val
Bill Camp as Mr. Hunt
Yul Vazquez as Uncle Dan
Connor Ratliff as Mr. Watson
Production
The film is written and directed by NB Mager. It is adapted from her short film Run Amok (2023), which screened at the Athena Film Festival and was shortlisted for Academy Award consideration. The feature is produced by Julie Christeas and Frank Hall Green of Tandem Pictures.
Principal photography took place in New York, with production tracking lists confirming a shoot date in January 2025.
Release
Run Amok was selected for the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which was held between January 22 and February 1, 2026. It has been cited by critics as one of the "Most Anticipated" films of the festival. In August 2026, Greenwich Entertainment acquired the distribution rights, for an early 2027 release.
Reception
On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 65% based on 31 reviews.
