The Outrun Review: What happens when we start trying to heal?

Directed by Nora Fingscheit and based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot, The Outrun explores protagonist Rona’s (Saoirse Ronan) struggle with alcoholism, against a backdrop of the Scottish Orkney islands.

The Outrun is the first film I've seen directed by Nora Fingscheidt, and had compelling sublime scenes of the natural world.This, contrasted with the harsh realities of addiction, was incredibly moving. The landscape of the Orkney Islands quietly highlighted addiction without any aspects being glossed over or sugar-coated for screen.

Themes of mythology in the context of healing and addiction were unique, and something refreshing to see on screen. Like how Rona feels a strong connection to the sea and weather, which perhaps mirrors her Mum turning to religion for guidance or even as a last resort. It created a beautifully melancholic atmosphere and a new way to explore how addiction manifests within family dynamics. The film especially draws on the family's ties to the natural landscape; which is physical in contrast to otherworldly creatures and things unseen.

The pacing of the film was especially enjoyable, running at two hours, with a fragmented timeline. It was an extremely realistic portrayal of healing and recovery, that it is not one straight path. The use of sound was also significant: the contrast between the calm natural sounds of Orkney’s coast and the chaotic thump of the London party scene allowed us to enter Rona’s head further, and gave the story more gravitas.

The screening attended was part of an event held by Reclaim the Frame, a charity dedicated to uplifting women and non-binary people within the film space. As well as having a subtitled viewing, Reclaim the Frame created a calm and inclusive experience for viewers and made the subject matter even more impactful.

Overall, Fingscheit has created a tender and really realistic portrayal of addiction within her film.

She begs the question: what happens when we start trying to heal?

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