Run & Jump

Former SNL cast member Will Forte stars in filmmaker Steph Green's clear-eyed Irish drama as Ted, an American psychologist working on a case study centered on Conor (Edward MacLiam), a carpenter recovering from a traumatic brain injury. For two months, Ted stays in the country home of Conor, wife Vanetia (Maxine Peake), and their children, Lenny (Brendan Morris) and Noni (Ciara Gallagher). Ted's work entails taking notes and following his subject around with a camcorder, which Conor's parents find invasive, although Ted is careful not to interfere with their daily affairs (in allowing Ted to stay with them, the family receives double the payment for their participation). Conor's symptoms include a short attention span, emotional outbursts, and bouts of sleepwalking. Unable to communicate with her husband the way she once did, Vanetia opens up to Ted, leading to a friendship (as well as sexual tension) that compromises the latter's ability to remain objective. Ted also grows close to Lenny, a teenager who requires more fathering than Conor can provide. Meanwhile, Vanetia's friend, Tara (Sharon Horgan), who attempts to attract Ted's interest, worries what will happen when he leaves. Co-writer Ailbhe Keogan was inspired by a similar experience with her father, who suffered a brain injury that transformed his personality. A solid drama, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)