The Outrun Movie Review: Saoirse Ronan's Powerful Performance in a Poetic Drama

Film lovers and those who appreciate Saoirse Ronan's work will be thrilled to hear about a new movie! The Outrun, based on a true story is a beautiful, poetic film directed by Nora Fingscheidt.

A Powerful Debut:

While it is Nora Fingscheidt's first feature-length movie, she creates a mesmerizing and meditative experience! Using visual poetry and incredible interiority she draws audiences into the storyline with an exceptional performance from Saoirse Ronan. There is much to enjoy from the beautiful visuals and great storytelling! However, while a powerful debut that features many strong aspects, there were parts where things got lost or confusing.

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Poetic Storytelling:

Saoirse Ronan smokes a cigarette while looking out a window in The Outrun Image

Fingscheidt's directorial skills were superb as it used non-linear storytelling, placing audiences right into Ronan's chaotic world and thoughts. As it went through Ronan's journey through memory and her life, we're given insights into events that led her to head back to Scotland, her mother and working on her dad's farm. This wasn't easy! She juggled lives in London and the Orkney Islands of Scotland with some incredible moments both during drunken stupors, and even at rehab while watching her relationship with Daynin (played by Paapa Essiedu) disintegrate. You're taken right into this world! While there is an ability to understand it takes some patience!

The cinematography itself adds so much, creating some breathtaking visuals as the beauty of Scotland shines. You get shots of beautiful waves splashing on the rocks, showing Ronan's relationship to the water. These special scenes show Ronan find some calmness in the presence of nature and how animals and nature seem to support her. However, this film, though artistic can feel slow, creating some slower moments as it continues.

It isn't until close to the end (15-20 minutes) that things really come together but even then the overall feel is longer than many might have liked! At nearly two hours in length, this film does suffer and lose its focus getting lost in some of these miserable, relentless moments. Yet, it keeps a grip and gives Ronan a proper ending! It also gets to tell an important story of addiction! Even the messy parts come through as part of a whole!

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Ronan's Performance:

Edited image of Saoirse Ronan, Nora Fingscheidt & Amy Liptrot at The Outrun's Sundance premiere Image

Despite the movie's flaws, one that shines bright! Ronan's performance stands tall. This well-known star gives us such depth! Ronan is one who effortlessly transitions from moments that are joyful to moments of pain, demonstrating just how well she's mastered her skills! It takes some real dedication to craft these amazing, incredible emotional moments! And that really shows!

As for Essiedu's role? Even in brief moments, he gives incredible insight into his characters emotions! His expressions mean a lot even when he's just looking at Ronan!

The entire film's pacing does feel sluggish in places, however, what was created through this film, were intense feelings! What could be difficult for people might just give an intimate peek into Ronan's challenges as the addiction really weighs heavily and it gets hard for audiences not to show some empathy! The final product does really come together through its beautiful shots and the way it really comes together, as you dive into its ending. The Outrun uses nature's beauty in Scotland.

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The Outrun: The Film

The Outrun is available to watch in theaters and premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film lasts for 118 minutes and has a rating of R for language and some sensual scenes! It is certainly worth checking out!

The Outrun Movie Review: Saoirse Ronan's Powerful Performance in a Poetic Drama

A Powerful Debut:

Poetic Storytelling:

Ronan's Performance:

The Outrun: The Film

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