The Outrun

I watched this movie on a long flight where I couldn’t hear all the dialogue clearly but was intrigued enough to watch it again at home. After doing so I don’t understand why this film wasn’t nominated for any Oscars. Ronin’s performance is Best Actress level, with tremendous depth and honesty - way beyond what we saw from Mikey Madison in Anora. This movie is both depressing and uplifting, showing a young woman’s struggle to overcome family mental illness (her dad is bi-polar) and alcoholism and find herself. After failing at group rehab she decides to move to the desolate Orkney Islands and live alone in a small isolated cottage through a long winter to work through her problems. The stark yet beautiful natural environment mirrors her inner struggles perfectly. She emerges in the spring with new found strength and optimism about her future. The acting of the supporting cast (mother, dad, supporting Orkneyfriend) is superb, and the direction is outstanding, balancing numerous timeline flashbacks with the trend line of the lead characters struggles. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted film that all fans of dramatic acting and character depth will appreciate.

It is almost as good as the book!

Slow, hard to follow, not too compelling

Dramatic portrait of a young alcoholic, though superficial.

Stopped watching half way. Just didn't go anywhere.

I wanted to like it but it just didn't catch my attention out of the gate. Why am I watching this? Had to turn it off after about 20-30 minutes.

As a showcase for Ronin’s acting chops, this was successful but it lacked structure. It was like a long visual poem. Interesting but very slow!

Saoirse Ronan knows what roles to play! She is amazing in this film. The role of nature in the film is amazing, and I love the storytelling surrounding the islands. Sometimes it feel as if the movie is loosing its way, but you have to remember that a true story inspired the movie. The symbolism surrounding her hair and the scenes with the "forces of nature" and the father are soooo good. What a good portrayal of Bipolar disorder!

I'm a fan of Saoirse Ronan, so after debating whether it would be too sad, I watched it anyway. Beautifully shot and nonlinear, I was fascinated by her solitude in the tempestuous "Outrun," as well as her equally stormy memories as she endured this solitude. Highly recommend!

I found this quite boring most of the time.