Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Outrun’ on Netflix, in Which Saoirse Ronan Delivers a Robust, Empathic Portrayal of Alcoholism

New York Post - Mar 19th, 2025
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The Outrun, directed by Nora Fingscheidt and starring Saoirse Ronan, is an adaptation of Amy Liptrot's memoir, now available on Netflix. The film follows Rona, portrayed by Ronan, as she returns to her native Orkney Islands to confront her alcoholism and the personal demons that haunt her. The story is set against the backdrop of the rugged North Atlantic, where Rona's journey of self-discovery unfolds amidst her struggle to overcome her addiction. Ronan delivers a deeply committed performance, balancing moments of intense reflection with the volatility of her character's drunken episodes. The film's careful attention to the harsh natural environment of Orkney complements Rona's internal battle, creating a powerful narrative that is both immersive and evocative.

The Outrun explores themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for personal peace, with Fingscheidt's direction capturing the tumultuous nature of Rona's life. The film's artistic approach combines the bracing atmosphere of Orkney with the chaotic nightlife of London, using visual elements to convey the protagonist's emotional state. Despite its complex narrative structure, the film offers a compelling portrait of a fractured individual seeking solace and resilience in the face of life's storms. By interweaving elements of folklore and personal struggle, The Outrun asserts the enduring presence of hope amidst the challenges of addiction, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the artistic elements and performances in "The Outrun," particularly Saoirse Ronan's portrayal of the lead character. It provides a clear and engaging overview of the film's plot and themes, making it accessible to readers interested in new releases. However, the article could benefit from more balanced perspectives and greater transparency regarding its sources and methodology. By connecting the film's themes to broader societal issues and including a wider range of critical opinions, the article could enhance its relevance and impact. Overall, the article is informative and engaging but would be strengthened by addressing these areas.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately presents the main factual elements of the film "The Outrun," such as Saoirse Ronan's role as Rona and its basis on Amy Liptrot's memoir. It correctly describes the film's setting in the Orkney Islands and Rona's struggle with alcoholism, which aligns with the memoir's themes. However, some claims, like the film's reception and narrative structure, are subjective and could benefit from a broader range of reviews to verify the consensus on these points. The mention of the film's comparison to others like "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Trainspotting" is accurate but could be further substantiated with more critical reviews.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on praising Saoirse Ronan's performance and the film's artistic elements, which can skew the perspective towards a more positive view. While it acknowledges potential narrative clutter, it doesn't delve deeply into criticisms or alternative viewpoints. A more balanced analysis might include perspectives from critics who found the film's pacing or narrative structure challenging. The article could also address differing opinions on the film's thematic execution and its impact on audiences.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the film's plot, themes, and performances. The language is accessible, and the tone is engaging, making it easy for readers to follow. However, some sections, particularly those discussing the film's thematic elements and narrative structure, could be more concise to avoid potential confusion. The article effectively conveys the film's emotional impact and artistic qualities.

6
Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or reviews, relying instead on general observations and opinions. This limits the ability to assess the credibility and authority of the information presented. While the writer's expertise as a film critic lends some credibility, the lack of direct citations from other critics or industry sources affects the overall reliability. Including a variety of sources would strengthen the article's authority and provide a more comprehensive view of the film's reception.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the sources of its claims and the methodology behind its analysis. It does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or the basis for its opinions. Providing more context on how the conclusions were reached, such as referencing specific reviews or box office data, would enhance transparency. The article could also benefit from disclosing any affiliations or biases that might influence the writer's perspective.

Sources

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11687002/reviews/
  2. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-outrun-film-review
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_outrun/reviews
  4. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/film-pick-of-the-week-the-outrun-review-by-yvette-huddleston-5035972