Then You Run review: Sky gangster drama is something special

• 📺 Where to watch Then You Run: Sky Max HD and NOW from 7 July
  

• ⭐️ Our rating: 4/5
  

• 🍿 Watch it if you liked: Layer Cake, In Bruges, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
  

• 🎭 Who's in it?: Leah McNamara, Vivian Oparah, Isidora Fairhurst, Yasmin Monet Prince and Richard Coyle 
  

• ⏰ How long is it? 8 x 50 minute episodes
  

• 📖 What’s it about? Then You Run follows a close-knit group of rebellious London teenagers on a getaway in Rotterdam, who are pursued by hardened criminals, notorious gangsters and a laissez faire hitman with his own agenda.

Then You Run just sounds like good advice for anyone waking up next to unrefined heroin, a recently deceased father figure and one blood-stained laptop.

Adapted by Ben Chanan (The Capture) from Zoran Drvenkar’s novel, this Sky original bounces between decades in a savvy opening episode, introducing audiences to four fearless female Londoners, before swiftly sidestepping into gangster territory by way of ice-cold corpses, copious amounts of cannabis and an incredibly angry Uncle Reagan (Richard Coyle).

Read more: Everything new on Sky/NOW in July 2023

Just like Bad Sisters on Apple TV+, Then You Run is powered through strong female performances delivered by gifted actors including Vivian Oprah (Stink), Leah McNamara (Tara), Yasmin Monet Prince (Ruth) and Isidora Fairhurst (Nessi). Playing a savvy quartet of free-spirited teenagers, who find themselves running from a lone gunman (Christian Rubeck) and an assorted collection of Irish heavies pursuing their class A product through darkest Rotterdam.

With influences taken from Martin McDonagh’s seminal thriller In Bruges, sitting alongside flashes of Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake and indie era Guy Ritchie – Then You Run is a certified classic straight off the blocks. Mixing elements of terrestrial streaming service Walter Presents, with some superior ensemble players, an off-kilter tone, and flashes of dark comedy which give this 8-part series a unique identity.

Amongst the principal protagonists, Vivian Oprah’s Stink is a beacon of effortless intimidation, as she brazenly exploits every situation facing her. Whether that involves grieving mourners at a south London wake, or unhinged hoodlums threatening physical retribution – this consistently powerful performance is only one example which instantly elevates this stylish Scandinavian thriller to another level.

Elsewhere the clinical application of systematic violence from Christian Rubeck as The Traveller counterbalances any comedy. As he gradually closes in on his pray, who are blithely oblivious to the murderer who is tracking them. Not only offering up a perfect juxtaposition for an audience who are dramatically complicit but giving this series a vital edge over other streaming choices.

By employing flashbacks at strategic points to expand on crucial story elements, while being sure to provide present day context at every turn, writer Ben Chanan has crafted something genuinely special here. Not only hitting all the right notes when it comes to delivering a slow burn thriller, but also ensuring that Then You Run becomes mandatory viewing in the process.

Then You Run premieres on Sky Max HD and NOW from 7 July.

Watch the Then You Run trailer: