A Scottish drama hailed as 'perfect cinema' by viewers is now available to stream. The Outrun, directed by German filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt, is based on the biography of the same name by Scottish journalist and author Amy Liptrot.
Set on the Orkney Islands, the 2024 film tells the story of a young woman's battle with alcohol addiction. The main character, renamed Rona, is played by Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, who is married to rumoured new James Bond, Jack Lowden.
Ronan depicts the author's journey to sobriety in her twenties after attending rehab and returning to her childhood home in Scotland. The film was primarily shot on location in the Orkney Islands, with additional scenes filmed in Edinburgh, Leith and East London.
The Plot
The story follows 29-year-old graduate Rona, whose life in London spirals due to alcohol and drug addiction. After years of heavy partying and failed relationships, she decides to go to rehab. Following the programme, she returns to the wild Orkney islands where she grew up and reconnects with the landscape.
Returning to her childhood home, she navigates the complex lives of her separated parents - her father, who lives with bipolar disorder, and her devoutly religious mother. The film uses a non-linear narrative, cross-cutting between her chaotic memories of London nightlife and her quiet, healing journey to sobriety on the Scottish islands.
The Cast
Saoirse Ronan plays the leading role of Rona. She is known for roles including Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, Jo March in Little Women, and Mary Queen of Scots in the 2018 historical film alongside Margot Robbie.
Other cast members include Saskia Reeves as Rona's mother Annie, Stephen Dillane as her bipolar father Andrew, and Paapa Essiedu as Rona's ex-boyfriend Daynin, whom she splits from before moving home.
What Do Viewers Think?
The Outrun has received glowing reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 82 per cent. Many viewers praised Ronan's performance. One wrote: "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."
A second added: "Amazing performance by Saoirse Ronan, very deep. Narrative was hard to follow at some points but if you pay attention it's great. Basically 10/10 if easier to follow." Someone else penned: "A beautiful movie that shows how healing nature and community can be. Saoirse Ronan was excellent as always."
Another simply wrote: "Perfect cinema." One viewer commented: "I was completely caught up in this movie, the scenery amazing and really thought it was provoking and moving." A second echoed: "Captivating in its writing, performances and soundscapes. I couldn't help but be totally immersed in each and every scene."
Where Can I Watch It?
The Outrun is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video. It can also be purchased on Apple TV and on Sky Store.
