If you want to be deeply moved, have your soul shifted by nature, and then get a sudden itch to go long-distance walking, then The Salt Path is for you. The Salt Path hit UK cinemas last week, telling the true story of Raynor Winn and her husband Moth following the 2018 release of Raynor Winn’s book of the same name.
The Salt Path novel is dear to my heart, as I am sure it is to many other readers, especially those from the South West. Winn’s description of the wild and untamed coastal landscape of Devon and Cornwall reflects the freedom of the area in such a vivid light; readers feel indisputably next to them on their eventful adventure. Sharing the truth of homelessness, terminal illness, physical and mental challenges, all exemplified by the wilderness of the South West Coastal Path, Winn brings her and Moth’s powerful story to life. Needless to say, the film has an awful lot to live up to.
The Salt Path is simply phenomenal, especially for an adaptation of such a well-loved novel. Starring Gillian Anderson as Raynor Winn and Jason Isaacs as Moth Winn, the story has been brought a new life, a fresh audience, and a myriad of emotions.
Having become familiar with Raynor Winn’s mannerisms and accent via social media, it was clear that Anderson’s portrayal of her was honest and true – almost uncanny. The quality of Anderson’s acting skills was unmistakable, from a flawless accent to a raw and honest display of emotions that tugged deeply at the heartstrings of the audience. Isaacs, too, was unrecognisable, embodying the spirit of Moth Winn through emotive expression. It was clear that these masters of acting had embodied the real people with grace and authenticity.
The timeline of the film was shifted and adapted when compared to the book – it was a shame to miss the book moment where the couple reach Landsend and make the choice to continue along the south coast. However, the north coast segment was beautifully emblematic of the book, including refined details and the moving moments that provided the audience with the information needed to feel the journey, understand Moth and Raynor, and connect with the walk on an emotional level.
The most standout part of The Salt Path was the rawness of the landscape – the film captured Cornwall for what it really is. A wild, untamed, windswept corner of the UK, a far cry from the tourist leaflets and Instagram posts that we have become accustomed to connecting with the South West. It was refreshing, as a Cornish person, to see my home portrayed with such raw truth – I felt like I was there with them, and it was enough to fill my eyes with a longing for the area.
I struggled to grasp the presence of a young homeless girl, Sealy, who was an addition from the books. To me, there were enough poignant moments without adding her – to include the real scenes that took place in Plymouth would have had the potential to reveal more truth of homeless life than her slightly random presence. However, there is something to be said for the beauty of the scenes that she was in – in particular, the ‘lightly salted blackberries’ moment.
All in all, the raw beauty of the landscape and the intimacy of Anderson and Isaacs acting combined to powerfully portray Raynor and Moth Winn’s story, which deserves every ounce of praise that it has gathered both in book and film form. The Salt Path is not a film to be missed – but if you really want to sink your teeth into the true story, then pick up the book when you can. Be warned: bring tissues.
You can read more of Brig’s film reviews here.
Featured Image Credit: The Salt Path Poster from Number 9 Films/Elliot and Harper Productions/BBC Film/LipSync Productions/Shadowplay Features/Black Bear UK
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
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