Film review: In “The Outrun” Saoirse Ronan indulges in a tough addiction drama

The depiction of addiction in cinema can sometimes be permission to engage in tragic porn. Of course you don’t want a film to spare its protagonist, but at the same time there is a point where you can distance yourself. The outrun While he never goes that far, he maintains his leadership in some really tough moments. The fact that both the acting and the sense of final pathos shine through is what makes the film worthwhile.

The outrun lives and dies by its lead role, as you can imagine. Considered a potential Oscar contender, the flick may not be quite on that level, but it will win Best Actress Saoirse Ronan is hardly out of the question. It is excellent and far surpasses the rest of the production. Even though it’s a mixed bag, she more than gets her over the finish line.

Rona (Ronan) is a recovering alcoholic looking for stability after rehab. When she returns to her hometown of Orkney after a decade in London, she is a strong woman with a fragile sobriety. Lives with her mother Annie (Saskia Reeves), who is deeply religious, Rona helps her bipolar father Andrew (Stephen Dillane) on his sheep farm. He has several problems, including recently selling the family farmhouse. It’s a simple existence, but memories of darker times lurk everywhere.

As Rona goes about her daily life, she thinks back to her lowest points. There was violence and tragedy, but also a romance with Daynin (Paapa Essiedu), which began with a promise. She was on a path to self-destruction that Daynin couldn’t fix, but even in rehab, Rona is skeptical. We also see her tough childhood as well as calming moments working at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Saoirse Ronan is easily the best in the show, and this is one of her best performances yet. She portrays her character’s alcoholism with incredible commitment and realism. While it’s not pretty to look at, it’s undeniably captivating. It grounds the work and keeps you engaged even when the plot threatens to lose you in its convoluted nature. In addition to the solid supporting trio Stephen Dillane, Paapa Essiedu and Saskia Reeves, the cast also includes: Lauren Lyleamong other things.

Filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt adapts Amy Liptrotis the novel that penned the adaptation Daisy Lewis and Liptrot himself. The plot has an amorphous character and the narrative often fails to captivate you. However, Ronan succeeds, which Fingscheidt recognizes. Her direction draws attention to Ronan’s Rona. You can see the style there The outrunwhich helps clear up some of the writing issues, but it all boils down to this lead performance. Without them the film is nothing.

The outrun isn’t great, but Ronan is. The film works because she is as good as ever. If you’re a fan of hers, this is worth a look. Otherwise? Well, that depends. The film is a decent addiction drama, but it lacks a lot that sticks in the mind outside of the performance. So make of it what you will.

RESULT: ★★★

Related