Zagreb Film Festival 2024: The Outrun (dir. Nora Fingscheidt) | Review

The Outrun, Nora Fingscheidt’s third feature, is undoubtably a story about the glory of evolution and the fear of extinction; it’s just not clear cut if its about the evolution of life or evolution of one life. Based on the memoirs of British journalist and author Amy Liptrot, it follows a young woman’s struggle with alcoholism, expectations and finding her place in the world.

Rona is a vibrant young woman played with warmth and charm by Saoirse Ronan. A postgraduate in London who appears to be living the life. In her flashbacks she is always surrounded with friends in playful outings or in gentle moments with her caring boyfriend. However, that life is behind her. Rona’s joy of partying has had unintended consequences and made her overly reliant on alcohol to provide a good time.

However, in present day she has taken refuge back in her hometown – a distant village in Orkney islands which is a diametrical opposite to the contemporary, busy London life. Unlike the uncaring crowd that is always present in London and the multitude of events that induce a fear of missing out as well as social anxiety, living in Orkney produces a different reason for anxiety. Here Rona is under the constant watchful eye of her religious mother and the small community where they live and there are only a small number of gatherings where she might experience some social interaction. Neither extreme is good for her.

Fortunately for the film, Rona in The Outrun is a biology graduate. Her struggle is expanded to be personal, familial and academic, but it also provides layers of interconnection with communities as well as nature. Her previous voraciousness for parties and alcohol is replaced with exhausting work. Almost typical for the setting, we see Rona helping during lambing season in a cold harsh environment and later scouring through fields as part of her work with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Landscape is a major character in Fingscheidt’s film and it makes sense that the director has previous experience with documentary filmmaking. Rona is desperately escaping into the open areas in order to release the tension that is gathered within her with varying results although the sights are magnificent though visibly harsh. Her unsuccessful search for the distinctive call of the corn-crake feels like the search for her own voice that is nowhere to be found.

Ronan carries the movie with her troubled and twitchy depiction of Rona who is always unpredictable even in the moments when she seems like she should be at peace. The character is relatable and lovable through having identifiable human flaws. The film is feminist without propagating a manifesto but through creating a struggling female lead that feels realistic.

Overall, The Outrun isn’t very revolutionary or surprising, but it is woven out of confident storytelling, breathtaking photography and believable struggles that make it a pleasant, rewarding watch.