The Outrun
2024
***½
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu, Nabil Elouahabi, Izuka Hoyle, Lauren Lyle, Saskia Reeves, Stephen Dillane, Naomi Wirthner, Danyal Ismail, Eilidh Fisher, Seamus Dillane, Posy Sterling
After leaving rehab for alcoholism in London, Rona returns home to the Orkney Islands in Scotland, where she hopes to reconcile with her past and rebuild her life one day at a time. Nora Fingscheidt's captivating drama, adapted from Amy Liptrot 2016 memoir, is a moving portrayal of recovery and the transformative power of nature. Like some other recent films, We Live in Time and Strange Darling come to mind, the non-linear story jumps between past and present, a choice that often proves more confusing and alienating than dynamic. The final third, which focuses on Rona's healing solitude on the island of Papa Westray is the strongest part of the film. The rugged landscape plays a key role, and Saoirse Ronan gives a predictably powerful lead performance.
