DVD Corner

The Outrun DVD Review

Saorise Ronan shines in the overly familiar “The Outrun.”

Based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot (who also co-wrote the script alongside director Nora Fingscheidt), “The Outrun” is a biodrama told in a non-linear style. The story follows Rona- a youthful grad student living in London whose alcoholism is causing her life and relationships to spiral out of control. After a series of incidents (including her boyfriend Daynin dumping her), Rona decides to enter rehab. After completing the program she returns home to the Orkney Islands in Scotland to visit her parents before deciding to stay longer. She takes on a couple jobs, lives alone near the sea to deal with her sobriety, bonds with locals, and retakes control of her life. 

There have been countless films about alcoholism over the years and “The Outrun” is the latest to tackle the subject. Despite being based on a real life story, the story doesn’t break any new ground and becomes a rather repetitive character study. Director Nora Fingscheidt attempts to spice up the story with an unusual storytelling style, but the fragmented time jump approach doesn’t do the film any favors. If anything it detracts from Rona’s addiction story.

The sole reason “The Outrun” is watchable is due to Saorise Ronan (who is perhaps best known for “Lady Bird”). Ronan gives a dedicated and vulnerable performance that commands your attention. She truly carries the movie on her back as she depicts Rona’s challenging life journey.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1. Grade: B+

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. Grade: B+

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* A deleted scene titled “Poetry Night.”
* “Making The Outrun” contains film clips, interviews, and story, filming, and character and discussions.
* “Becoming Rona”- A featurette on the character with interviews.
* “Bringing The Outrun To Life” covers the visual style.
* “From Book To Screen” revolves around adapting the novel for the big screen.
* “Filming In Orkney”- The title says it all.

December 21, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Saorise Ronan, The Outrun DVD Review, The Outrun Movie