Year: 2022
Runtime: 104 min
Language: English
Director: Shana Feste
Single mother Cherie (Ella Balinska) finds herself drawn to the charm of client Ethan (Pilou Asbæk). As their connection deepens, she discovers a dark and menacing side to him, forcing her into a terrifying fight for survival. Now, she must use all her wits to escape a ruthless predator consumed by a destructive obsession.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Run Sweetheart Run yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Run Sweetheart Run (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Cherie, a young single mother and pre-law student, works as a secretary at a legal firm in Los Angeles. Her day takes a turn when her boss, James R. Fuller, calls to inform her that she has double-booked him for an important client dinner at the same time as his anniversary dinner. With no recollection of the conflicting schedule, Cherie reluctantly agrees to attend the dinner on his behalf.
As she gets ready, Cherie’s period unexpectedly starts, leading to the realization that she is out of tampons. Once she meets her boss’s client, Ethan, at his home, she finds herself captivated by him, though things take a dark turn when he reveals a history of trauma related to dogs during a sudden outburst. Despite the tension, Ethan offers Cherie to spend the night, setting an alarm for her early departure before her daughter wakes up. However, she notices an earlier alarm set for 5:25 AM, raising suspicions as she decides to stay for a drink.
Tragedy strikes as Ethan suddenly attacks Cherie, forcing her to flee down the street in desperation for assistance. When she finally finds a couple of women outside a movie theater, they agree to call 911. Unfortunately, upon the police’s arrival, Cherie is arrested for public intoxication, even while protesting that she had been assaulted. In her cell, she speaks with another inmate who panics upon hearing Ethan’s name, warning Cherie about his manipulative nature and urging her to seek help from the First Lady.
After being released, Cherie goes to James’s apartment, where he appears to be sympathetic and offers her clean clothes. In her quest for information about Ethan, she discovers shocking details on James’s computer: she’s merely the latest victim in a long series targeted by Ethan, who can sense her blood according to Judy, James’ wife. In a panic, Cherie flees on a bus and calls her ex-boyfriend Trey for assistance.
Stopping at a gas station to buy tampons, Cherie is ambushed by Ethan. She manages to fend him off momentarily and escapes with Trey, who drives her to his place, complicating the situation as his new girlfriend, Dawn, Cherie’s former best friend, is present. Remarkably sympathetic, Dawn tries to help when Ethan arrives looking for Cherie, but the confrontation ends tragically with Ethan easily overpowering Dawn and her friends.
In a desperate bid for survival, Cherie recalls Judy’s advice and uses her menstrual blood to mislead Ethan. She finds refuge in a church, requesting holy water and a crucifix, only to discover the priest’s lifeless body, revealing Ethan’s ability to impersonate him. As the real Ethan confronts her, an opportunity arises when he is attacked by the priest in his true form, allowing Cherie to escape.
Cherie stumbles into an underground rave where she comes across a flyer for the First Lady and promptly contacts them, learning of a nearby spa. During the chaotic environment, she is rescued by a group of party girls who befriend her. However, as Ethan’s alarm rings for sunrise, he finds them, but Cherie is saved by a barking pitbull that forces Ethan to vanish.
At the spa, she meets Dinah, the First Lady, and a group of women who practice martial arts. Dinah discloses Ethan’s origins as a fallen angel, revealing his sinister plan for male domination throughout history. To take him down, they need Cherie to act as bait. After a thorough cleansing, Cherie heads to the Santa Monica Pier, where she intentionally reopens her wounds to draw Ethan’s attention.
As he attempts to finish her off, Ethan is caught off guard by a rock thrown through a window, exposing him to sunlight, which weakens him severely. The other women from the spa join the fray, bombarding the windows until Ethan is fully incapacitated by the blaring sunlight. Cherie seizes the moment to mock Ethan in his weakened state, and Dinah sets him ablaze, ensuring his end. Victorious, Cherie returns home to safety, finally able to embrace her daughter once more.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:20
Still wondering what the ending of Run Sweetheart Run (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
Cherie’s harrowing night begins with her experiencing the harsh realities women face daily—dismissal, assault, and disbelief. After a brutal attack, she tries to seek help but is ignored and jailed, symbolizing how society often refuses to believe or protect victims of violence. When Ethan, the malevolent force behind her suffering, appears to be an otherworldly entity representing systemic patriarchy, the film reveals that he is not human but a demon-like creature. Ethan’s existence is rooted in societal belief in male dominance; he feeds on male ego and thrives in darkness. Cherie learns that Ethan’s destruction depends on her surrender, but she cunningly uses her wits—pretending to submit—to lure him into daylight, where he’s vulnerable. This act symbolizes the power of awareness and knowledge overcoming oppressive secrecy. As she and a group of women outside throw rocks, they symbolize collective strength disrupting Ethan’s hold. Finally, Cherie confronts Ethan in the sunlight and, with the support of the women and her own resilience, sets him ablaze, effectively ending his reign of terror. Her smile as she looks into the camera signifies hope for a new era—one where women no longer suffer in silence but stand as survivors and warriors. However, the film also highlights that the burden of overcoming these systemic issues is unfairly placed on individual women, not society itself. Cherie’s victory is metaphorical, underscoring that true change demands societal recognition of patriarchy’s systemic nature rather than blaming victims for their suffering. While the ending is empowering, it offers a layered commentary on the necessity of collective action over individual heroism in addressing gender-based violence.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
Don't stop at just watching — explore Run Sweetheart Run in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Run Sweetheart Run is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Run Sweetheart Run with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Run Sweetheart Run. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Run Sweetheart Run that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Run Sweetheart Run (2022) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Run Sweetheart Run (2022) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Run Sweetheart Run (2022) Ending Explained & Theories
Movies Like Run Sweetheart Run – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Run (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Run Rabbit Run (2023) Story Summary & Characters
Running Scared (2006) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Run with the Hunted (2020) Film Overview & Timeline
You Can't Run Forever (2024) Detailed Story Recap
Valentine (2001) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Nowhere to Run (1993) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Sweetheart (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Fresh (2022) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Mom and Dad (2018) Story Summary & Characters
Son (2021) Full Movie Breakdown
Girl (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Bless the Child (2000) Film Overview & Timeline
The Woman (2011) Detailed Story Recap
Final Girl (2015) Full Summary & Key Details