“The Outrun”: A Personal and Honest Depiction of Addiction Anchored By Saoirse’s Powerful Performance

Directed by: Nora Fingscheidt
Rating: 7/10

“The Outrun” follows the story of Rona, played by Saoirse Ronan, a 29-year-old fresh out of rehab who returns to the island of Orkney after more than a decade of being away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape of where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path of recovery. The film is based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir of the same name, directed by Nora Fingscheidt in a lyrical and free-form structure that is filled with metaphors and moods of fragmentation through the changes in the protagonist’s hair, which shares the similarity of the film, “Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.”

Saoirse plays a young woman born in Orkney who has lived in London for over a decade to escape her tragic and traumatic childhood. Hoping to find freedom and joy, she instead formed a relationship with alcohol and parties, which led to her character becoming violent and depressed.

Rona’s toxic involvement in alcohol leads to a violent and vulnerable situation, which ends up tearing her relationship with her boyfriend (Paapa Essiedu). Saoirse Ronan showcased her powerful yet painful performance in this involving addiction-recovery drama. I think it’s safe to say that Ronan is one of the best actresses of this generation. Everything she does in this film shows how much power and authenticity she shows to her character, from subtle and poignant expressions to violent drunk acting. It’s a range that only a few actresses in this generation can pull off, and Saoirse handled her character in a careful yet personal manner.

Stories about addiction, depression, and isolation always resonate with me on a personal level. It’s a topic I hold dear mainly because of how much I relate to these kinds of stories, and “The Outrun” is one of those films that hits you in the right places. The film is crafted carefully, making sure that they are not just highlighting the struggles and chaotic path of a person with an addiction but also showing the continuous journey of someone’s soul entangled in addiction. This is where I think the film felt very personal and honest, as it does not try to manipulate the viewers by showing the intense tantrums or breakdowns of a person with an addiction --- it’s not that these scenes are absent in the movie, but they treated it like it’s less pivotal. Instead, they showed us more of Rona’s road to recovery.

Sony Pictures Classics

On the road to recovering from addiction, it’s essential to confront your past and find the root cause of it. In Rona’s case, it was because of her troubled childhood with a bipolar father, in which she witnessed severe episodes, and a religious mother---these factors posed a question to Rona: was her addiction nature or nurtured? Even the title of the film, “The Outrun,” refers to the remote island of Orkney that isn’t suitable for farming and is constantly battered by strong waves and winds, which could serve as a metaphor for Ronan’s character. The film allows the viewers to experience the wonders and beauty of the island, yet it’s intimidating and mysterious, coated by its peace and quiet nature. The Island Orkney does not just serve as a backdrop of the film, but rather, it serves as a metaphor throughout the story, mirroring Rona’s inner world.

The wild and untamed nature of the island Orkney reflects Rona’s chaotic past and the isolation she feels due to her addiction. The islands’ perilous cliffs, unpredictable weather, and vast, open spaces symbolize freedom and the threat of confronting one’s demons. The harsh yet majestic Orkney underscores Rona’s journey toward self-discovery and healing. The island becomes a sanctuary, offering her the clarity and peace needed to face her addiction. The cyclical nature of the tides and the relentless winds serve as metaphors for the ebb and flow of her recovery process, emphasizing the ongoing struggle and resilience required to overcome addiction.

In conclusion, “The Outrun” is a beautifully crafted exploration of addiction and recovery, brought to life by Saoirse Ronan’s powerful performance. The film does more than depict the turmoil of Rona’s addiction; it captures the essence of her journey toward healing with authenticity and grace. Director Nora Fingscheidt’s lyrical approach, combined with the haunting beauty of the Orkney Islands, creates a powerful metaphor for Rona’s internal struggles and resilience. “The Outrun” stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, reminding us that, much like the island’s rugged landscape, the journey to recovery is both challenging and beautiful.

“Let’s start one day at a time.”