Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superb central performance elevates British addiction drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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The Outrun
What's the Story?
In THE OUTRUN, after one too many nights of drunken chaos in London, Rona (Saoirse Ronan) returns to the Scottish Orkney Isles, where she grew up, hoping to tackle her alcohol addiction and come to terms with her difficult past.
Is It Any Good?
A career-high performance from four-time Oscar nominee Ronan elevates this powerful addiction drama to something incredibly visceral and impactful. That it's Ronan's first producer credit and writer Amy Liptrop co-adapted her own memoir for the screenplay adds a personal touch to The Outrun, a film as much nature documentary at times as it is tale of addiction recovery. Alongside Ronan's awards-worthy turn is impressive cinematography and editing that cuts between the wildness of Scotland's beautiful Orkney Isles and the disorienting, dimly-lit rooms of London's clubs and bars. Isolation is evident all around, as Rona turns to alcohol to escape herself in the big city and to Orkney's windswept landscapes to escape her addiction in return. Local myth and legend give the story a dreamlike feel. The tale of Orkney's Selkies, shifting from seal to human form but doomed to a life of discontent on land if they're seen by humans, beautifully mirrors Rona's fear that she's destined to a similar fate, whether drunk or sober.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how alcoholism was portrayed in The Outrun. Did the film pass judgment on Rona's behavior at all? In what ways did her addiction affect her life? How did those around Rona attempt to help and what impact did her addiction have on close relationships?
Rona showed perseverance in attempting to overcome her addiction. Why is this an important character strength? Can you think of times you've shown perseverance?
The film is based on a memoir by Amy Liptrot, who also helped adapt the screenplay. Does knowing it's inspired by a true story make it more impactful? How does it compare to other movies based on true stories?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How did the film show the difference between the city of London and the wildness of the Orkney Isles? What techniques did it use to portray different atmospheres in each?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 4, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 8, 2024
- Cast : Saoirse Ronan , Paapa Essiedu , Stephen Dillane , Saskia Reeves
- Director : Nora Fingscheidt
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Sony Pictures Classics , Stage 6 Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and brief sexuality
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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