---
title: "See How They Run"
year: 2022
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/see-how-they-run"
fi1m_id: "see-how-they-run"
imdb_id: "tt13640696"
tmdb_id: 766475
wikidata_id: "Q105319897"
fi1m_score: 70
critics_score: 60
critics_reviews: 24
published: "2026-10-03T03:02:23.044201+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T03:02:23.561406+00:00"
region: "FI"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# See How They Run (2022)

Directed by Tom George · 1h 39m · Mystery, Comedy, Crime

## Identity

See How They Run

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/see-how-they-run
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** see-how-they-run
- **IMDb ID:** tt13640696
- **TMDB ID:** 766475
- **Wikidata ID:** Q105319897
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13640696/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/766475, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105319897

**Fi1m score: 70** · Critics 60 from 24 reviews

*In a sentence:* Saoirse Ronan takes police work seriously enough to make everyone else’s cleverness look like a waste of time

> Saoirse Ronan’s comic timing makes this theatrical whodunit worth an evening. The period trimmings and her partnership with Sam Rockwell are more reliable pleasures than a mystery too pleased with its own cleverness.

## Synopsis

In 1950s London theatreland, Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) investigate a murder in the world of *The Mousetrap*. Stoppard brings a weary manner to the case; Stalker brings enthusiasm and a determination to do the job properly. Around them are theatrical figures including Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson), alongside Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) and Petula Spencer (Ruth Wilson). The officers need to identify a killer, but an accumulating collection of suspects and misleading clues complicates their enquiries. Their partnership also requires the experienced inspector and his idealistic assistant to work at the same pace.

## Review

Tom George’s *See How They Run* is worth an evening for its comic partnership, provided a demanding murder puzzle is not the main attraction. It wants to make us laugh at the familiar habits of a whodunit while giving us the comfort of watching one behave much as expected. Mark Chappell’s screenplay supplies enough good jokes to make that a reasonable proposition. It also spends too much time pointing out conventions when it could be making its suspects more interesting.

Saoirse Ronan is the reason that balance mostly holds. Her Constable Stalker takes the investigation seriously enough for us to care about her, even when the film is busy teasing the genre she inhabits. We laughed at the constable’s earnestness: the deadpan delivery makes her eagerness funny without requiring us to think her foolish. There is affection in the performance, and an exact sense of how long a comic reaction should last.

Sam Rockwell’s Inspector Stoppard supplies the fatigue that her enthusiasm needs to rub against. He is good company, although his accent is sometimes distracting enough to make us notice the performance before the character. The pairing works because he leaves space for his partner rather than trying to equal her comic energy. It is also where the film finds some feeling: we become interested in whether these two can work together, independently of the case.

Jamie Ramsay’s cinematography gives theatreland a carefully arranged prettiness, and the period setting is a pleasure to look at. Amanda McArthur’s production design makes the same surroundings feel comfortably lavish, a useful fit for a story so taken with theatrical self-importance. Neither contribution is at fault when the investigation starts to feel thin. The danger is that the director lets the attractive surroundings do too much of the entertaining while the people inside them remain broad comic sketches.

Editors Peter Lambert and Gary Dollner give the comedy a brisk, playful rhythm, helping the film move past jokes that would suffer from being held any longer. The cutting supplies energy that the accumulation of clues does not always earn. Daniel Pemberton’s music suits the light tone, though it does little to make the investigation feel urgent. Across 99 minutes, there are passages where we would happily exchange another flourish for a clearer reason to suspect someone.

The larger problem is the screenplay’s fondness for announcing how familiar all this is. A comic whodunit still needs to make us curious about the answer, and recognising a tired device does not automatically make using it amusing. Here, the extra complications sometimes leave us waiting for the investigation to get on with it. Tom George handles the silliness more comfortably than the moments that ask for seriousness. Those passages ask for a concern the broad characterisation has not quite earned.

We would have welcomed a sharper puzzle, but we were rarely impatient with the investigators. Their company supplies enough pleasure to make the weaker passages tolerable. Watch it for Saoirse Ronan, and take an interest in Stalker’s progress before investing too heavily in the suspects.

*Fi1m score 70, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find See How They Run an enjoyable, self-aware whodunit, though enthusiasm is far from unanimous. Praise centres on Saoirse Ronan’s comic timing and enthusiasm, with even several detractors singling her out. Her rapport with Sam Rockwell also earns approval, alongside the period styling and playful treatment of murder-mystery conventions. The warmer reviews enjoy the silliness and accept that the comedy matters more than the puzzle.

The spread is wide, with the script’s cleverness attracting sharply different responses. Den of Geek praises its construction and playful handling of theatre history, while The Wrap finds the plotting overcrowded and the references overwhelming. Reservations elsewhere concern familiar plotting, weak satire and sluggish pacing; even some favourable reviews find the mystery unsatisfying. Little White Lies raises a more pointed objection to tired stereotypes about women and gay men. Ronan is the clearest point of agreement across that divide.

## Straight answers

**Is See How They Run worth watching?**

*See How They Run* is worth watching for its comic partnership and period setting rather than a demanding murder puzzle; we score it 70 out of 100. Saoirse Ronan’s earnest constable and Sam Rockwell’s weary inspector make agreeable company, though the screenplay spends too long pointing out whodunit conventions and not enough time developing interesting suspects.

**How long is See How They Run, and what is it rated?**

*See How They Run* runs 1h 39m. It is a mystery and comedy film.

**Where can I watch See How They Run in Finland?**

*See How They Run* is streaming on Disney+ in Finland, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is See How They Run, and is it suitable for children?**

*See How They Run* has a UK 12A certificate, so children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema, and it is not automatically suitable for younger children. Its murder investigation has a light comic tone, but we would not take that as assurance for a sensitive child; the certificate is the firmer guide to suitability.

**How does See How They Run compare to The Lady Vanishes?**

*See How They Run* offers an enjoyable comic police partnership, but we recommend [*The Lady Vanishes*](https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes) as the stronger mystery because its brisk comedy keeps the investigation interesting. The theatrical setting and Saoirse Ronan’s timing are the chief pleasures of the former; the latter’s railway mystery offers more tension and urgency, even when its plotting becomes fussy.

**What should I watch after See How They Run?**

After *See How They Run*, try [*The Lady Vanishes*](https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes) (1938, Fi1m 88): A mystery whose brisk comedy never forgets to keep the investigation interesting. Then [*Knives Out*](https://film.one/film/knives-out) (2019, Fi1m 81): For a busier suspect list and clues worth paying closer attention to.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the film a witty, cosy, clever mystery that deserves a sequel. She particularly praises Saoirse Ronan's comic timing, while criticizing Sam Rockwell's distracting accent and an unnecessarily complicated subplot. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/see-how-they-run-movie-review-agatha-christie-whodunnit-saoirse-ronan-sam-rockwell-b1023857.html)
- **Radio Times**, Patrick Cremona (80/100, inferred): The review presents the film as a riotously entertaining send-up of murder-mystery conventions. Its headline singles out Saoirse Ronan’s performance as a particular strength. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/see-how-they-run-review/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The review calls the film a nostalgic, meta murder mystery and a lively night at the pictures. It praises the silliness, which viewers should embrace. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/see-how-they-run-2022)
- **Variety**, Amy Nicholson (78/100, inferred): Nicholson finds the film an enjoyable, snappy retro comedy that balances giggles with suspense. She especially praises the brisk, fanciful editing and the energetic performances of Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan. [Read](https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/see-how-they-run-review-saoirse-ronan-1235362714/)
- **Sight and Sound**, BFI (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a mischievous, entertaining send-up of whodunit conventions. Saoirse Ronan’s performance as the enthusiastic Constable Stalker stands out amid the strong cast. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/see-how-they-run-campy-cat-mouse-caper)
- **Empire**, Ian Freer (70/100, inferred): The film is an entertaining, stylish comedy, though its mystery does not fully satisfy. Freer especially praises the rapport between Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/see-how-they-run/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): The standfirst presents the film as an aggressively clever debut. It singles out the murder investigation led by Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan, but the full critical verdict is unavailable. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/see-how-they-run-review/5173619.article)
- **The AV Club**, Leigh Monson (B-): The review finds the film competent but too reverent and toothless in its satire to rise above a self-aware genre exercise. It praises Saoirse Ronan’s performance and says the mystery’s actual resolution is more compelling than its red herrings. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/see-how-they-run-movie-review-sam-rockwell-saoirse-rona-1849502820)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds it a likably silly, disposable comedy that offers a welcome alternative to solemn Christie adaptations. He particularly praises the droll chemistry between Sam Rockwell’s world-weary detective and Saoirse Ronan’s idealistic assistant. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/sep/07/see-how-they-run-review-agatha-christie-spoof-scampers-through-50s-theatreland)
- **Slant Magazine**, Chris Barsanti (2.5/4): Barsanti calls the film a pleasant trifle that breaks little new ground, though it improves on The Mousetrap. He praises the jewel-box cinematography, luxe production design, and committed performances for helping the film’s whimsy work. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/see-how-they-run-review-saoirse-ronan/)
- **IndieWire**, Jude Dry (C): The critic finds the whodunit mostly humdrum and an uninspired Christie imitation. Saoirse Ronan stands out for making an interesting character from the script’s broad sketches. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/see-how-they-run-review-saoirse-ronan-mystery-1234759338/)
- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (4/2/2): Strong finds the film predictable and irritating, with little of Christie’s wit or intelligence. She particularly criticizes its reliance on tired stereotypes about women and gay men. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/see-how-they-run)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Associated Press (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a pleasant but forgettable diversion that ultimately staggers under its self-conscious, overfamiliar mystery conventions. They praise Adrien Brody’s performance, while faulting the film for lacking enough humor or grit. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-09-14/review-murder-mystery-see-how-they-run-really-staggers)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (30/100, inferred): Rooney finds the whodunit romp limp and short on energy, fizz, and genuine wit. He singles out Saoirse Ronan’s spirited comic performance as the film’s chief merit. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/see-how-they-run-saoirse-ronan-sam-rockwell-1235204300/)
- **The i Paper**, Geoffrey Macnab (30/100, inferred): Macnab finds the film inane and its murder mystery incoherent, despite its comic energy. He praises Saoirse Ronan’s deadpan performance and the playful recreation of 1950s London theatreland. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/see-how-they-run-film-review-saoirse-ronan-flair-deadpan-1840547)
- **The New Yorker** (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film clever to a fault, with an overstuffed plot that slows as red herrings accumulate. Saoirse Ronan’s performance stands out, though the film’s idea about art and life is dismissed as casually handled. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/see-how-they-run)
- **Digital Spy**, Gabriella Geisinger (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a funny, heartfelt whodunnit that exceeds expectations and delivers on its genre conventions. She especially praises the cast and the film’s blend of physical comedy, sharp writing and self-aware satire. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a41101963/see-how-they-run-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Rosie Fletcher (4/5): Fletcher calls the film a joyful, deftly constructed whodunnit and praises its playful blend of theatre history, Christie reverence, and movie-trope humor. She particularly singles out Saoirse Ronan’s comic performance and Mark Chappell’s clever script. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/see-how-they-run-review/)
- **NME** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it a stylish, frequently hilarious old-fashioned romp, though the narrative wobbles when it turns too serious. Saoirse Ronan’s charming performance and the lively comic energy are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/see-how-they-run-review-classic-whodunnit-meets-modern-murder-mystery-3307477)
- **Consequence**, Liz Shannon Miller (70/100, inferred): The review presents the film as an engaging take on the whodunnit, built around Agatha Christie’s legacy. It singles out the layered mystery and the historical context of The Mousetrap as key parts of its appeal. [Read](https://consequence.net/2022/09/see-how-they-run-review-sam-rockwell/)
- **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (7/10): Bui finds the film a fun, frothy, self-aware whodunit, though its familiar plot and limited satirical bite keep it from being groundbreaking. She praises Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan, especially Rockwell’s performance as the world-weary detective. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/995994/see-how-they-run-review-a-breezy-winking-caper-that-knows-what-it-owes-to-whodunits-before/)
- **Paste**, Kevin Fox Jr. (6.9): The critic finds the film charming and funny, but ultimately vapid and too enamored with its own cleverness. They praise its well-constructed mystery, expressive humor, and Saoirse Ronan’s performance. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/sam-rockwell/see-how-they-run-review)
- **The Playlist** (30/100, inferred): The headline suggests the critic finds the screwball mystery underwhelming, despite its promise. It singles out the film’s half-speed pacing as a complaint. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/see-how-they-run-review-a-potentially-juicy-screwball-mystery-run-at-half-speed-20220907/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (10/100, inferred): The critic finds the ambitious mystery comedy leaden and unsuccessful. They fault its crowded, overcomplicated construction and say its references overwhelm its basic pleasures. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/see-how-they-run-review-saoirse-ronan-sam-rockwell-mystery-comedy-2022/)

## Details

- **Director:** Tom George
- **Director:** Tom George
- **Writer:** Mark Chappell
- **Cinematography:** Jamie Ramsay
- **Editor:** Peter Lambert, Gary Dollner
- **Music:** Daniel Pemberton
- **Production design:** Amanda McArthur
- **Costume design:** Odile Dicks-Mireaux
- **Producer:** Gina Carter, Damian Jones
- **Cast:** Sam Rockwell as Inspector Stoppard; Saoirse Ronan as Constable Stalker; Adrien Brody as Leo Köpernick; Ruth Wilson as Petula Spencer; Reece Shearsmith as John Woolf; Harris Dickinson as Richard Attenborough; Charlie Cooper as Dennis Corrigan; David Oyelowo as Mervyn Cocker-Norris
- **Runtime:** 1h 39m
- **First release (the UK):** 9 September 2022
- **Genres:** Mystery, Comedy, Crime
- **Budget:** $40 million
- **Box office:** $22 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q00qh7Ab6Mk

## Where to watch in Finland

- Disney+: streaming, hd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy €14.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €14.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-10-03.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Lady Vanishes* (1938), Fi1m 88: A mystery whose brisk comedy never forgets to keep the investigation interesting. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lady-vanishes.md)
- *The Last of Sheila* (1973): Showbusiness vanity gives the suspects plenty to hide and the puzzle substance.
- *8 Women* (2002): A theatrical murder mystery that gives its entire ensemble room to misbehave.
- *The Kid Detective* (2020): Another mismatched investigation, with comic awkwardness and considerably less reassurance.
- *Knives Out* (2019), Fi1m 81: For a busier suspect list and clues worth paying closer attention to. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/knives-out.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/see-how-they-run