The Outrun

The Outrun is a new drama based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot. Here, director Nora Fingscheidt, who co-wrote the screenplay with Liptrot, casts Saoirse Ronan as Rona, in a fine turn as an alcoholic biologist who is experiencing far more than simply a rough patch. Her drinking, but more importantly, the reasons for her drinking, have caused her what she fears is near irreparable personal and professional harm. As the film-which is non linear-begins, Rona is shown being tossed out of a bar, and assaulted. It is unclear if this incident alone is what pushes her to quit drinking. She later joins what acts for her as a therapy plus work group, helping clean up locations in the Orkney Islands, but more importantly, aid the conservation efforts of a rare bird, the Corn Crake. The symbolism and analogy are heavy here, yet never oppressive.

Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

There is a reality, a lived in experience that gives the proceedings much power and bite, with Ronan once again proving she is among the finest actresses of her generation. Ronan can say more with the way she holds herself or her eyes, than a great many performers, and here, you feel as though you are falling into her soul. What she creates is a character you will love and loathe, one you will root for and yet constantly say “you brought that on yourself” while never finding yourself bored. It is a nearly perfect combination of delicate script and fine acting. All the pieces fit, sometimes almost too smoothly, yet that is the result of being inspired by a true story.

Rona grew up with a mentally ill father, who often scared her due to manic episodes, yet whom she is devoted to and who truly did care for her, though his illness prevented him from doing a better job as a caregiver. This has impacted her ability to form lasting, serious relationships, having seen her mother make the difficult decision to save her daughter and herself by leaving. Rona, who meets a wonderful man, eventually manages to wear down all patience he has, proving to him that the most important thing in her life is herself, and, more specifically, her desire to numb her pain with alcohol.

Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

If that sounds simple, it is, yet it is also realistic. The scenes between Rona and Daynin are some of the hardest hitting, quietly effective portrayals of what alcoholism can do to a romantic relationship ever put on film. There are no gigantic fights, though there are fights, and there is yelling, but there is nothing like what one saw in The Lost Weekend or Leaving Las Vegas. Instead, Rona eventually finds herself left with only memories of a love that could have been, and comes to accept that she cannot change her past and must move past her regrets. The exact moment in which this occurs is maybe the greatest work Ronan has given in her entire career, and it consists almost entirely of physical work, with the camera focusing on her haunted, beaten eyes.

Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

The film avoids cliches by remaining staunchly, almost stubbornly clear eyed. It reminds one, somewhat, of the work of Ken Loach or Mike Leigh. The scenes set on the Orkney Islands, in which Rona rediscovers purpose and a will to go on without who she once saw herself as, are rendered with painterly detail in the photography. This is a film that is largely a character study and a star turn, yet it is not without strong, subtle support. Every facet of the production, from script to photography, editing and acting, has been rendered with care, intelligence and grace. It is a film which is likely to try the patience of those looking for whiz bangs, but for those who long for the days of New Hollywood or 90’s Indie cinema character pieces, you have come to the right place.

The Outrun is now available to rent or purchase on digital platforms.