What happens when a global pandemic triggers a fertility crisis, and the world stops having children?

This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into The Run, the gripping new Australian dystopian sci-fi thriller written and directed by Stephen De Villiers. Set in a hauntingly familiar post-COVID landscape of sealed-off towns and germ paranoia, the film follows Mac (Callan Mulvey), an aging smuggler past his prime, who is forced to protect a runaway teenager, Aliah (Charlotte Maggi), and her infant. As Jamie and Corrina break down the film’s tense, low-key violence and powerful character drama, they draw direct comparisons to The Last of Us and The Road.

Plus, stick around for an exclusive interview with writer/director Stephen De Villiers. He reveals why the budget forced a complete rewrite of the ending, how the COVID lockdowns reshaped the script, and the creepy story behind using the Australian classic ‘Come Said the Boy’ as an unsettling anthem.

Highlights Breakdown:

- The Last of Us, Mad Max & The Road comparisons

- Pandemic parallels, lockdowns & fertility crisis themes

- Exclusive interview with writer/director Stephen De Villiers

- Influences from The Last of Us and Logan

- Why violence is mostly implied, not graphic

- Breaking down the film’s ambiguous ending

- Character tension, survival themes & standout moments

If you love Australian cinema, dystopian thrillers, sci-fi world-building, or post-apocalyptic survival stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The Run is available to rent or buy on digital platforms from June 17

This week’s episode is brought to you by

Australian Wrestling Cards

Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website.

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