Just Start

Directed by Will Floor

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

Just Start tells the story of Maddy, a trail runner who transforms her childhood trauma into strength through the power of running. Overcoming personal battles with abuse and eating disorders, she finds a sense of healing and confidence in the sport. Through her journey, Maddy becomes an advocate for mental health and an inspiration to others who face their own struggles. The film explores her evolution from victim to victor, showcasing the therapeutic potential of running and the broader message of finding joy in progress rather than perfection. The film ultimately encourages the audience to embrace personal growth and mental resilience through taking the first step, no matter how daunting the challenge.

The film’s message is both meaningful and relevant, especially in today’s conversations around mental health and personal empowerment. However, the narrative feels a bit familiar, as similar stories of overcoming trauma through sport or physical endurance have been explored in various films. While Maddy’s personal journey is compelling, the storytelling doesn’t fully offer a fresh take on the genre. Additionally, key moments in Maddy’s life are glossed over in the monologue, leaving some gaps in understanding the emotional triggers that pushed her to embrace trail running as her means of healing. The film’s title, Just Start, connects with the overall message of taking the first step toward change, but this theme could have been more effectively woven into the narrative earlier, rather than being introduced only at the conclusion.

On a technical level, the film blends still photography with live footage, which works well to add depth to Maddy’s internal struggles. However, the pacing occasionally falters due to the overuse of still images, especially during scenes where little visual movement occurs, such as a prolonged shot of Maddy sitting on a bed. These static moments sometimes hinder the film’s momentum, making it feel slow and repetitive. The running scenes, while central to the film’s message, are visually similar and could have benefitted from more variety to maintain viewer engagement. There are also some instances where sound is not used to its fullest potential, though the crunching of feet on the trail is a nice, immersive touch. The cinematography captures the outdoor landscapes beautifully, aligning well with the film’s themes of personal growth in nature, but some images, such as Maddy driving her car, feel unnecessary and detract from the forward motion of the story.

Just Start is a heartfelt film that champions the importance of mental health and personal perseverance. While it touches on powerful themes, it could benefit from a more nuanced and fresh take on the “overcoming adversity” narrative, as well as more dynamic pacing in its visuals and sound design. Audiences will likely appreciate its inspiring message, but with a few revisions, the film could be even more engaging and impactful.