Review: The Outrun

5 January, 2025 William Eguizabal 0 Comments 2 categories

Title: The Outrun
MPA Rating: R
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu, Stephen Dillane
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins

What It Is: Rona (Ronan) is a young woman from a small fishing town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. She now lives and studies in London, where the fast-paced city life has led to some dangerous habits. Rona struggles with alcoholism, becoming an out-of-control mess when she drinks. In an effort to reclaim her life and find clarity, she returns to Orkney during her recovery, hoping to figure things out before they spiral even further. But will she find what she’s looking for?

What We Think: Saoirse Ronan is the obvious standout here, but Yunus Roy Imer’s cinematography is the true showstopper. Every frame feels like a painting, every moment beautifully composed. Director Nora Fingscheidt, for her part, continues to bring to the screen powerful images of women in rebellion. Whether for better or worse, her protagonists are women who do as they please. She humanizes them by exploring the consequences of their actions, both big and small.

Here, Ronan delivers a heart-wrenching performance as the young, once-ambitious Rona. However, there was something about the film that didn’t quite grab me the way I wanted it to. Whatever it was, I suspect it might be story-related, because the acting is impeccable. Fingscheidt proves herself adept behind the camera, and the cinematography is absolutely stunning. So what was missing? I’m not entirely sure.

Nonetheless, the film works on many levels and remains a solid effort.

Our Grade: B-, This grade feels about right for the film. Come for the beautiful scenery, and stay for the amazing performance by one of our most talented working actresses. It’s available to rent—just click the link below to do so. I highly recommend it! The story is great and wonderfully brought to life by a director I’m excited to see rising in the industry. Definitely check this one out. I liked it—even if I didn’t love it, it’s still well worth your time.