🎬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎)

Set in the 1970s, The Runaways follows the formation and rise of the all-female rock band of the same name, focusing on the relationship between Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning). Joan, a rebellious teenager with dreams of playing electric guitar in a world dominated by male rock stars, finds an opportunity when she meets eccentric music producer Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon). Recognizing Joan's raw talent and hunger for success, Fowley introduces her to drummer Sandy West, and together they begin forming a band. Meanwhile, Cherie Currie, a 15-year-old girl with a striking presence but no real musical experience, is discovered by Fowley at a club. Inspired by David Bowie and glam rock, she has the perfect image for a lead singer. Fowley takes advantage of her naivety, pushing her into the band despite her lack of preparation. Under his aggressive and exploitative management, The Runaways are born, consisting of Joan, Cherie, Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton), Sandy West (Stella Maeve), and Robin Robins (Alia Shawkat, in a fictional role based on real-life bassist Jackie Fox).

The band’s early days are chaotic, fueled by Fowley’s unorthodox and often abusive coaching methods. He locks the girls in a trailer, forcing them to endure verbal assaults while they rehearse, believing that toughening them up will prepare them for the brutal rock industry. Despite the hardships, Joan and Cherie develop a close bond, both drawn to the excitement and excess of rock and roll. They quickly rise to fame with their hit song Cherry Bomb, which capitalizes on Cherie’s provocative stage presence. The band begins touring internationally, gaining a devoted fan base, particularly in Japan, where they are treated like superstars. However, the pressures of fame, combined with their youth and inexperience, start taking a toll. Cherie, in particular, struggles with the demands placed on her as the face of the band. She turns to drugs and alcohol to cope, spiraling into self-destruction as she grapples with the overwhelming expectations and exploitation by Fowley and the music industry.

As tensions within the band escalate, Joan becomes increasingly frustrated with the emphasis on image over music. She wants to be taken seriously as a musician, but the industry—led by Fowley—insists on selling The Runaways as teenage sex symbols. Meanwhile, Cherie, exhausted and addicted, begins to withdraw from the band, missing rehearsals and showing erratic behavior. The relationship between Joan and Cherie, once the heart of the band, begins to fracture under the weight of their growing differences. While Joan wants to push forward and prove herself in the male-dominated rock scene, Cherie becomes disillusioned, longing for an escape from the chaos. Eventually, during a disastrous photoshoot where she is pressured into provocative poses, Cherie has a breakdown and decides to leave the band, walking away from the fame, the music, and her friendship with Joan.

Following Cherie’s departure, The Runaways struggle to maintain their momentum. Without their lead singer, the band loses its spark, and internal conflicts continue to grow. Joan, however, refuses to give up. Determined to continue making music on her own terms, she channels her anger and passion into her future career. The film shifts focus to Joan’s resilience, showing her transition into a solo artist and the eventual formation of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Meanwhile, Cherie attempts to rebuild her life away from the spotlight, working in a bakery and trying to find normalcy after years of excess. Despite their differences, Joan and Cherie remain connected through their shared history, though their paths have diverged.

In the film’s final moments, Joan’s perseverance pays off as she finds success with I Love Rock 'n' Roll, proving that she never needed the industry's approval to make it as a musician. Cherie, having overcome her struggles, hears Joan’s song on the radio, a bittersweet reminder of the journey they once shared. The movie closes with a sense of nostalgia and empowerment, emphasizing the impact The Runaways had on rock music and the barriers they broke for future generations of female artists. Through its raw and unapologetic storytelling, The Runaways captures both the excitement and the dark realities of rock and roll, leaving audiences with an appreciation for the legacy of the band and the enduring strength of Joan Jett and Cherie Currie.