The Outrun – REVIEW

The Outrun – REVIEW

As a film critic who has battled my own demons with alcohol, I found The Outrun to be a deeply moving and profoundly resonant tale of redemption and self-discovery. Saoirse Ronan delivers an unparalleled performance as Rona, a woman grappling with addiction and the ghosts of her past in the bleak yet beautiful landscapes of the Orkney Islands.


In a community heavily focused on social gatherings involving alcohol, it can be quite challenging to resist a drink. Trying to get our Editor to moderate his drinking led us to ordering him shandy when it was our turn, only for him to respond, ‘I don’t drink cocktails!’ (A similar sentiment to, ‘You’re fired’ – Ed). The film, The Outrun, is based on the autobiographical book by Amy Liptrot and her co-written screenplay. It tells the story of Rona (Saoirse Ronan), who spent her twenties immersed in London’s party scene and eventually succumbed to alcoholism. In an attempt to overcome her addiction, she returns to her native Orkney Islands where the grey skies, tumultuous seas, and barren wilderness starkly contrast with her vibrant London lifestyle.

The first half of the film flits back and fore with her increasing dependence on alcohol fuelling a troublesome lifestyle accelerating a deteriorating relationship that is wholly her own fault and set against an unsettled childhood with her parents. Her father (Stephen Dillane) suffers from terrible bipolar episodes that drives her mother (Saskia Reeves) away to embrace her Christian faith and Rona having returned home does her best to engage with both whilst at the same commits to  battling her own alcoholic demons that sees her embrace her interest in local wildlife backed by her Masters degree in biology. It sees her move to one of the most remote of the Orkney Islands where she rents a tiny lone house in a rugged colour drained windswept landscape that’s the polar opposite of her London life.

Under the guidance of director Nora Fingscheidt, The Outrun skillfully steers clear of typical recovering alcoholic tropes, delivering an enthralling drama led by a standout performance. The stark reality of Rona’s self-imposed solitary life provides an unexpected comfort, and the film boasts a powerful soundtrack that harmoniously complements numerous scenes. Saoirse Ronan delivers a truly exceptional performance in this film, displaying both tranquil introspection and the unpredictable energy of a wild party girl, skillfully avoiding the common pitfall of overacting drunkenness. Given her young age and four previous Oscar nominations, it’s no surprise that her impressive portrayal here merits recognition.

Here’s The Outrun trailer…..

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2024-09-25 02:23