The movie THE OUTRUN takes us to the remote Orkney Islands and tells the story of Rona (played by Saoirse Ronan), a woman searching for a way back to her home and to herself after years of chaos. Based on the bestseller of the same name by Amy Liptrot, the film is not only a gripping drama, but also a tribute to the healing power of nature.
Rona – A protagonist caught between the past and a new beginning
The main character Rona returns to her old home on the Orkney Islands after more than a decade. Her return is not an easy one, as the islands are not only the place of her childhood memories, but also the scene of many unresolved inner conflicts.
Rona has spent years in the big city, where she lost herself in a maelstrom of excessive behavior and addiction. After a painful crash, she is forced to reorganize her life. The return to the harsh landscape of her childhood becomes a confrontation with the past, but also an opportunity to find herself anew.
The Orkney Islands – A central character in the film
The Orkney Islands, a remote and often harsh-looking group of islands off the coast of Scotland, play a central role in the film. Their dramatic cliffs, stormy waves and vast plains are not only a backdrop, but also a symbol of Rona’s inner journey.
The wild beauty of the landscape reflects the protagonist’s emotional turmoil. At the same time, nature offers healing and solace by reminding Rona how closely man and the environment are connected. Director Nora Fingscheidt captures this powerful symbiosis in impressive images.
An award-winning template
The film is based on the bestseller “The Outrun” by Amy Liptrot, which won the Wainright Prize in 2016 and the PEN Ackerley Prize in 2017. The autobiographical book tells the story of the author herself, who found her way back to herself after a similar story to Rona.
With over 110,000 copies sold in the UK alone and translations into 15 languages, the book has reached a worldwide readership. In Germany, it was published under the title “Nachtlichter” by btb Verlag and was added to the list of modern classics in 2021.
Star cast and award-winning direction
Saoirse Ronan, who has already gained international recognition with films such as “Lady Bird” and “Little Women”, shines in the leading role. She is joined by Stephen Dillane and Paapa Essiedu, whose acting performances underline the emotional depth of the story.
The film was directed by Nora Fingscheidt, known for her success with “Systemsprenger”. She adapted the screenplay together with author Amy Liptrot and manages to translate the personal story of the original into powerful cinematic images.
International production and promotion
“THE OUTRUN” is an international co-production with the participation of Arcade Pictures, Brock Media and Weydemann Bros. The film was supported by renowned funding institutions such as BBC Film, Screen Scotland and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW.
Protagonist Pictures is handling world sales, while STUDIOCANAL is releasing the film in the UK, France, Germany and Austria. This strong collaboration underlines the high quality of the film and its international potential.
Why THE OUTRUN should be seen
“THE OUTRUN” is not just a movie, but an invitation to confront your own past and experience the transformative power of nature. The captivating story, the magnificent landscape shots and the outstanding acting performances make this film an unforgettable cinematic experience.
From December 5, 2024, you will have the opportunity to experience this journey on the big screen. “THE OUTRUN” impressively shows how strong the connection between man and nature is and how returning to one’s roots can bring healing.
About the author
Kinga Bartczak advises, coaches and writes on female empowerment, new work culture, organizational development, systemic coaching and personal branding. She is also the managing director of UnternehmerRebellen GmbH and publisher of the FemalExperts magazine .
