Saoirse Ronan is an actress I’d watch in pretty much anything. That’s the main appeal of The Outrun for me. I don’t usually go for addiction films simply because Hollywood has a history of glamorizing drug and alcohol use as a way to enjoy life, often hiding the harsh truths of addiction. Although some movies do show the darker side of substance abuse, a lot of them end up celebrating it instead. The Outrun, however, serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of substance abuse, showcasing a woman’s real-life struggle to beat alcoholism and find joy in a life free from alcohol.

The title has a double meaning, it points to a coastal area on a private farm on Orkney Island in Scotland, but it also suggests the idea of escaping from or going beyond a certain point. Based on British journalist and author Amy Liptrot’s memoir and directed by Nora Fingscheidt, the story follows a fictionalized version of Liptrotessence named Rona (Ronan). Told in a non-linear narrative, fresh out of alcoholism rehab, 29-year-old Rona returns to Orkney, where she grew up after nearly a decade away. We catch glimpses of her past life as a biology grad student in London through flashbacks, where she finds freedom in the nightlife, dancing in raves, and meeting her boyfriend, Daynin (Paapa Essiedu). Rona really loses it when she drinks, causing chaos in her relationships and putting herself in risky situations.

Is it possible for an alcoholic to ever be happy without alcohol? That’s the question at the crux of the film and we really get to see Rona’s struggle to get sober. The film doesn’t shy away from showing Rona hitting rock bottom, losing her job and her boyfriend, and straining her relationship with her devoutly Christian mother (Saskia Reeves) who found God after the divorce from her bipolar husband (Stephen Dillane). Scenes of Rona as a young girl show that she was close to her dad, so she’s resentful of her mom for ‘choosing God’ over her family. There’s a sharp contrast to her relationship with her parents as she alternates living with her dad in Orkney and her mom in London. The friction in their relationships adds another layer of complexity to her journey to recovery.

The Outrun is a unique story of redemption and recovery set against two very different backdrops: the bustling streets of London and the idyllic Orkney Island. Apparently, this is the first film ever to be shot on the island, which boosts the level of authenticity. Despite the heavy themes, Fingscheidt brings her unique flair to the film with artistic touches. She used the cinematic medium to great effect with some inventive camera work and stunning shots that showcase the raw beauty of the Scottish island. The flora and fauna of the island, especially the seals and the Corncrake birds are instrumental in Rona’s healing process.

Two scenes stuck with me, one is when Rona is swimming in the vast ocean while calling the seals, which sounds a bit like a wolf howl. I particularly love the scene of her conducting the waves as if it were a symphony. The film employs sound design as a storytelling tool creatively, such as when Rona takes off her headphones for a moment, allowing the sounds of nature around her to fill her ears. I’m a big fan of the electronic music by Jan Miserre and John Gürtler which somehow fits the discord and turmoil that Rona is feeling.

The Irish actress is phenomenal in the lead role. This is her film through and through, as she is virtually in every scene. While the film can be a bit tough to follow given the loose narrative structure, Ronan is constantly captivating. She really captures the essence of Rona, and I heard that taking on this role made the actress rethink her drinking habits, becoming more aware of how much she consumes. Her gentle voiceover adds a lyrical touch as it explores the mythological shapeshifters of the sea (Selkies), allowing the viewers to see the world through Rona’s intellectual curiosity. I think this film would make an interesting pairing with the Irish animated film Song of the Sea (which coincidentally has a character named Saoirse).

The Outrun is one of this year’s hidden gems and a lyrical story of redemption. It’s a beautiful film inside and out, as it tells a deeply personal and moving tale that showcases the resilience of the human spirit.

Have you seen The Outrun? I’d love to hear what you think!

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