IMDb 5.6 2023 HD

Runs in the Family

Runs in the Family

2023
Adventure Comedy Drama
107 min NR ZA
1 / 10
5.6 IMDB

In this witty father-son story, we are introduced to Varun, a former scammer, and River, a trans drag performer, as they venture on a road trip across South…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ian Gabriel
Starring
Ace Bhatti / Rob van Vuuren / Gabe Gabriel / Paul Snodgrass / Khadija Heeger / Diaan Lawrenson / Mamello Makhetha / Kathleen Stephens

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

witty heartwarming poignant complex emotional relatable compelling uplifting dramatic sincere

Reviews

C
Chloe Davies
Mar 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'Runs in the Family' offers a refreshing take on familial reconciliation, set against the backdrop of a road trip with a clear, high-stakes objective. The film shines brightest when focusing on the evolving relationship between the father and…

L
Liam O'Connell
Mar 21, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is precisely the kind of film that deserves wider attention. 'Runs in the Family' is a vibrant and deeply affecting exploration of family, identity, and the courage it takes to be oneself. The narrative, centred on a…

S
Sophia Khan
Mar 21, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Runs in the Family' presents an intriguing premise that promises much, and largely delivers on its emotional core. The dynamic between the estranged father and his trans drag performer child is the undeniable engine of this story. While…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Mar 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A genuinely charming and surprisingly poignant film, 'Runs in the Family' excels in its portrayal of a complex father-son relationship. The narrative cleverly uses a road trip and a drag competition as a vehicle for exploring themes of…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This father-son dramedy offers a compelling, if occasionally uneven, journey. The premise of a road trip to rescue a mother from rehab, interwoven with a drag competition, provides ample opportunity for both wit and pathos. Performances, particularly from…

FAQs

River faces significant personal stakes in 'Runs in the Family'. The immediate concern is to rescue their mother from a rehab clinic, a mission fraught with potential complications. Simultaneously, River is focused on the Her Majesty's Drag Competition, where the prize money is crucial for funding top surgery. This dual pressure highlights a desperate need for both familial resolution and personal affirmation, making the outcome of the competition and the rescue mission deeply impactful for River.