The Outrun
With Saoirse Ronan in the lead, the film focuses on character, emotion, and self-discovery rather than shock value. It’s a powerful addition to Ronan’s career.
The story follows Rona (Ronan), a woman struggling with alcohol addiction, who returns to her home in Orkney after nearly losing herself in London. Her journey to sobriety is filled with isolation, flashbacks of her troubled past, and the challenge of dealing with her father’s bipolar disorder. As Rona tries to reconcile her former self with who she wants to become, the remote, rugged landscape of Orkney becomes both a refuge and a reminder of her struggles.
The film seamlessly blends past and present, making Rona’s memories of addiction feel immediate and raw. The non-linear storytelling is reminiscent of Aftersun (2022), creating a poignant exploration of how a painful history can shape, but not define, the future. The sound design, swapping between Orkney’s natural elements and the beats of London’s club scene, brings her inner turmoil to life.
Ronan’s portrayal of Rona is mesmerising, offering vulnerability, humour, and an unflinching look at addiction’s messy aftermath. The Outrun is a beautifully filmed, deeply emotional tale of recovery and rediscovering home, with Ronan delivering one of her best performances yet.
The film is currently showing at UK cinemas.
