Shadows on the Wall | The Salt Path

The Salt Path

dir Marianne Elliott
scr Rebecca Lenkiewicz
prd Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley, Lloyd Levin, Beatriz Levin
with Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, Hermione Norris, James Lance, Rebecca Ineson, Tucker St Ivany, Gwen Currant, Megan Placito, Tamlyn Henderson, Kyiah Ashton, Lloyd Hutchinson, Robbie O'Neill
release UK 30.May.25
24/UK 1h55

TORONTO FILM FEST

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Based on Raynor Winn's memoir chronicling a momentous odyssey with her husband, this film follows the British tradition of mixing humour and heart-tugging drama with an inspirational journey. It also features the glorious coastal landscapes of southwestern England, beautifully shot by the gifted Helene Louvert. Director Marianne Elliott makes the most of the anecdotal structure, anchoring the film in earthy, engaging performances from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

Living on a farm, Raynor (Anderson) is shocked when her husband Moth (Isaacs) is diagnosed with a rare degenerative neurological disorder. Then they lose their farm due to a court case. While their grown children (Ineson and St Ivany) have planned a summer of travels, Raynor and Moth have nowhere to live, so decide to embark on the South West Coast Path, walking from Minehead to Land's End. Along the way they not only have to deal with Moth's physical issues, but there's also weather, high tides and locals who are either friendly or angry.

With a soft, comfortable tone, the films meanders amiably along the severe geography of the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall coast. The path is seriously demanding, especially for a strained middle-aged couple who feel helpless because they are unable to assist their children as they fly the nest. Encounters are telling vignettes about life in the UK, including a wealthy man (Lance) and his friends who mistake Moth for a noted poet, and an abused young woman (Currant) quietly accompanies them for a stretch.

Through all of this, Anderson and Isaacs keep Raynor and Moth grounded, infusing scenes with the characters' humour and warmth. So even when things turn sentimental, the feelings are earned. Because they are living rough, these are also distinctly unglamorous roles, infused with inner spark and determination. Standout dramatic moments emerge along the way as each is faced with obstacles that force them to dig deep.

Even though this is a resolutely inspirational film, the script includes darkly difficult sequences that would push pretty much anyone to the brink of despair. Human resilience is the key here, and while this couple is broken, they are also strongly united in their desire to embrace what they can learn from this hike, regrouped and, yes, salted for the future. The film's final act traces their first attempt to start again with help from a friend (Norris), but their journey isn't over yet. And that's perhaps the most important point of all.

themes, language 21.Mar.25

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