Fresh out of rehab, Rona (Saoirse Ronan) returns to the Orkney Islands – a place full of childhood memories and breathtaking landscapes. But the beautiful scenery and kind-hearted people are not the only thing that awaits Rona. She also has to face her traumatic past, deal with her difficult family situation and stay away from alcohol, the substance which once consumed her life and nearly destroyed it.

With “The Outrun“, German director Nora Fingscheidt (“System Crasher“) once again proves her talent of telling authentic stories and portraying difficult characters. This time she deals with topics such as alcoholism and bipolar disorder, and has the great luck of having such a fantastic actress as Saoirse Ronan to play the main part.

Adapted from Amy Liptrots acclaimed memoir, who also co-wrote the screenplay, you could say that the film is quite autobiographical and therefore feels highly authentic.

But also Fingscheidts sensitive direction and Ronans nuanced acting make this movie a deeply moving, human and cinematic experience, especially recommendable for everyone who likes down-to-earth character dramas and great acting. (SiL)