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Movie poster for Queens on the Run (2023)

Queens on the Run

2023
1h 36m
14 · Spanish
Director: Jorge Macaya
Search on Netflix

Overview

When four women finally take the road trip they planned in high school, they have no idea of the things they'll bump into... sometimes literally.

Cast

12 people

Reviews

5 min read

The Road to Nowhere Fast

I’ve seen this movie before. Not Queens on the Run specifically—though I’ve now watched its 96 minutes twice—but the template it follows. Four women, each a walking cliché of female midlife malaise, pile into a car for a road trip that’s supposed to fix everything.

The housewife, the trophy wife, the career woman, the single woman with a string of bad dates. They’re in their late 30s or early 40s, old enough to know better, young enough to still believe in the transformative power of a spontaneous getaway. The problem isn’t that the film is predictable.

The problem is that it thinks it’s the first to ever try this trick.

Four women in a car, mid-laugh, the open road stretching behind them

The opening act sets the stage with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Paty (Martha Higareda), the de facto leader, is drowning in domesticity—her husband is a bore, her kids are brats, and her only escape is a fantasy of running away. Famela (Paola Núñez), the trophy wife, is married to a man who treats her like a trophy.

Marilú (Alejandra Ambrosi), the career woman, is a workaholic who can’t remember the last time she laughed. And Estrella (Valeria Vera), the single woman, is stuck in a loop of bad Tinder dates and worse decisions. The film introduces each of them in a series of vignettes that feel like they were ripped from a 2005 rom-com, complete with voiceover narration that spells out their emotional states in case we missed the visual cues.

Then, in a move that’s either bold or desperate, the film leans into its own clichés. The women decide to take the road trip they planned in high school but never took. The car they rent is a beat-up old thing that looks like it might fall apart at any moment—symbolism so heavy-handed it’s practically a cartoon anvil.

The first stop is a bar where they get into a fight with a group of men who, shockingly, turn out to be misogynistic jerks. The second stop is a roadside motel where they accidentally ingest magic mushrooms and hallucinate their way through a psychedelic nightmare. The third stop is a pole-dancing class, because of course it is.

By the time they crash the car into a ditch (literally and metaphorically), the film has exhausted every trope in the road-trip comedy playbook. What’s frustrating isn’t that Queens on the Run is derivative. It’s that it doesn’t seem to realize how derivative it is.

Audience Opinions

Limited evidence
"A lively Mexican comedy with strong female leads, though reactions so far are sparse."

Early impressions highlight the film’s energetic tone and its cast's charisma, particularly Martha Higareda and Paola Nuñez, who bring humor and warmth to their roles. Feedback is limited, so no firm consensus has formed yet. The comedy leans on familiar tropes, but the chemistry among the leads is frequently praised.

What viewers praise
  • Engaging lead performances Martha Higareda and Paola Nuñez stand out with lively, charismatic performances that anchor the film’s comedic energy.
  • Lighthearted tone The upbeat, humorous approach makes it an easy watch for fans of feel-good comedies.
Common complaints
  • Familiar plot structure The story leans on well-worn comedic tropes and can feel predictable.
  • Limited depth in supporting roles The supporting cast is thinly developed, leaving some characters underused.
Recommended for
Fans of Mexican comedies Martha Higareda enthusiasts Lighthearted movie lovers Ensemble cast appreciators

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Behind the Scenes of Queens on the Run: The Mexican Comedy Road Trip That Almost Didn’t Happen

Queens on the Run (2023), the Mexican ensemble comedy directed by Jorge Macaya, finally gave four high school friends the road trip they’d been dreaming of for years—both on and off screen. The film, originally titled Fuga de Reinas, follows a group of women who reunite for a long-delayed adventure, only to encounter chaos, laughter, and a few literal bumps along the way. But while the movie’s premise is all about spontaneity, its journey to the screen was anything but.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

The heart of Queens on the Run lies in its central quartet: Martha Higareda, Paola Núñez, Alejandra Ambrosi, and Valeria Vera play childhood friends who finally take the road trip they planned in high school. The film’s premise—women reconnecting after years apart—resonated with audiences, but the real-life dynamics among the cast added an extra layer of authenticity. Sources suggest the chemistry between the leads wasn’t just acting; the four actresses reportedly bonded quickly during rehearsals, with their off-screen camaraderie translating smoothly into the film’s lighthearted tone.

However, the road to production wasn’t without its detours. The project was initially conceived years before filming began, with delays pushing back its release. While the exact reasons for the holdup remain unclear, industry insiders speculate that scheduling conflicts—particularly with Higareda and Núñez, who had prior commitments—played a role. The film’s eventual release on Netflix in 2023 marked a victory for the cast and crew, who had waited years to bring the story to life.

A Director’s Vision: Comedy with Heart

Jorge Macaya, known for his work in Mexican comedy and drama, took the helm of Queens on the Run with a clear goal: blending humor with genuine emotional moments. The film’s tone—equal parts chaotic and heartfelt—reflects Macaya’s signature style, which often balances slapstick with deeper character-driven storytelling. While the evidence doesn’t reveal specific behind-the-scenes challenges, the director’s previous projects suggest a hands-on approach, particularly in shaping the film’s comedic timing.

One standout aspect of the production was its ensemble cast, which included not just the four leads but also supporting players like Claudia Pineda, Ricardo Muñoz Senior, and Mauricio Isaac. The diversity of talent—ranging from seasoned actors to rising stars—added depth to the film’s dynamic, though details about their individual contributions remain scarce.

Rumors and Unanswered Questions

Despite its success, Queens on the Run has sparked a few lingering questions. One persistent rumor, fueled by fan speculation, is whether the film was inspired by real-life events. The Cinemaholic addressed this directly, confirming that while the story is fictional, its themes of friendship and adventure resonate with universal experiences. Another point of curiosity is the film’s alternate title, Fuga de Reinas, which was used in its original Mexican release. Why the switch to Queens on the Run for international audiences? The evidence doesn’t provide an answer, leaving room for speculation about marketing strategies or cultural considerations.

The Verdict: A Fun Ride with Room for More

Queens on the Run may not have been the most high-profile release of 2023, but its charm lies in its simplicity—a group of friends, a road trip, and the chaos that ensues. The film’s behind-the-scenes story is equally compelling, from the cast’s delayed reunion to Macaya’s vision for a comedy with heart. While details about the production remain limited, the evidence suggests a project that overcame hurdles to deliver exactly what it promised: a fun, feel-good ride.

For fans of Mexican cinema or ensemble comedies, Queens on the Run is a solid pick. And if the cast’s chemistry is any indication, the real-life friendships behind the film might just be as enduring as the ones on screen.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

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