Film: The Outrun

A young woman, Lena, returns home to her past in the Orkney Islands, while attempting to escape her present in London. We learn about her dad’s bipolar condition and the isolation of her mum, who separated from her husband as we see multiple flashbacks of Lena's struggles with alcoholism.

Considering the seriousness of the topics, The Outrun is a gentle film. It sensitively explores how bipolar disorder and alcoholism impact Lena's mental health and that of her father, complicating their ultimately loving relationship.

It serves as an excellent advert for rural Scotland if one is ever needed and reinforces my need to return.

It’s only now I learn this is based on a true story, that of Guardian writer Amy Liptrot, who wrote a memoir and co-wrote the screenplay.

7½/10