'The Outrun' (2024)
The main reason I chose to watch it is that it has been nominated for Outstanding British Film and Leading Actress at the BAFTA Awards to be held the day after tomorrow. It is definitely one of the best films of 2024. The rhythm of a film is what makes it personally the best. Then, for someone to consider it the best film, they have to adapt to the rhythm that exists in it. Throughout the entire film, actress Saoirse Ronan, who spreads her authority through the wonderful character Rona, becomes the one who controls that rhythm. Accordingly, the viewer has to watch her. Through that, you will notice that the various hands that she sees, experiences, and touches her belong to that same rhythm.
Although I have seen Saoirse in several films, I always remember her as Ladybird (2017). The image of Rona here reminded me of Ladybird. This story is written as an autobiography. When Amy Liptropt's true thoughts were made into a film, Saoirse also joined the production process with her husband, actor Jack Lowden. He was the one who suggested that this role would be the best fit for her. I have not seen director Nora Fingscheidt's previous works. The wonderful way she has brought this character and the sequence of events to life cinematically is very valuable.
Rona's story is presented to us in a non-linear structure. She is introduced as a young woman who is severely addicted to alcohol and comes out of rehab. She returns from London, where she has wasted her life, to the Orkney Islands in Scotland, where she grew up. Here we see a scene where she gives birth to a lamb on a sheep farm. But I wondered if this was a real incident. When I looked into the details later, I found out that she had practiced a lot with a farmer and depicted that real scene. It is also mentioned that she had accompanied the director and performed 7 lamb births together.
While Rona's dark past fills one half of the film, the other half is separated by her attempt to escape from the pressure that is affecting her, to fight against it, and to replenish the essence of her soul that has been sucked out by the alcohol monster. But it is not an easy task. The bitter shadows of that past still fall on her. We get to see that bitter past in the midst of the battle she is currently engaged in. Alcohol has caused her more than minor harm. She has to overcome her limitations. She decides to isolate herself. It is not just sitting alone, that is where her battle begins.
Britain is an island in Europe. Orkney is an island in Scotland. Westray is an island off Orkney. Then Pappy is an island further away from Westray. That is where she ends up. After watching the movie, the only thing I did was search for Papa Westray Island. Because the movie also devotes a lot of space to life on the island. Accordingly, this is the first time a movie has been shot on Papa Westray Island. The beauty of the island is as worth watching as Rona. The "Sea Symphony" in the final sequence of frames marks her desired victory. It is definitely recommended as a must-watch.
