Midlife. It’s usually the time of life when you’re allowed to slow down. The children have grown up, you’ve finally (hopefully) got a bit of disposable income and you’re nearing retirement. Happy days!
But sometimes life has other plans. Moth (Jason Isaacs) and Raynor (Gillian Anderson) live a relatively comfortable life in a farm house in Wales with two children. However, just as their offspring fly the nest, their nest ceases to exist. Moth and Raynor’s unwise investment with a so-called friend costs them everything and the ()y are left with absolutely nothing.
To add to their woes, Moth is diagnosed with a terminal disease. Frantically wondering what to do next as the bailiffs bang on their door, Raynor spots a book about the South West Coast Path on the floor of her farm house. She makes an on the spot decision to buy a tent and complete the 630 mile long coastal route. Considering the fact they have no money and Moth’s mobility is depleting at a rapid rate, this is a pretty bold move.
This simple yet relatable real life narrative is very moving to experience on the big screen. I’ve not yet read Winn’s account of their journey but seeing Raynor’s story unfold in the cinema is an absolute joy to behold. Pretty quickly, as we’re immersed in panoramic shots of the gorgeous coastline, we realise that there is method in Raynor’s madness.
Tonight’s showing (Friday 30th May) of The Salt Path was introduced by Julian Gray, Director of the South West Coast Path Association. He talked briefly about the healing powers of the coast path, going as far as to describe the sea as a multivitamin. Indeed the transformative effects the coast has on Moth and Raynor are depicted as something rather spiritual.
Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Raynor is very believable; she even looks like her. With wild, unkempt hair and sun burnt skin, Gillian is, aesthetically speaking, a world away from the red carpet. Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s screenplay focuses on the pragmatic and robust nature of Raynor’s personality and Anderson’s performance as Raynor is suitably uplifting.
Her world may be falling apart, but Raynor seems to relish the adventurous lifestyle she is forced into adopting. Her joy is emphasised by some silent scenes that focus purely on Anderson bathed in nature; we start by looking at a contented Anderson in close up before the camera pulls back to reveal the scale of the beauty that inspires her. (This is definitely a film that demands a cinema sized screen!)
And who can blame her for feeling inspired? The landscape is arguably the biggest star of the film. We may live in the south west, but the wide variety of locations included in The Salt Path mean that the coast path’s terrain appears as incredibly diverse, even to a locally trained eye. Its breath-taking beauty is enhanced by Chris Roe’s carefully composed music as well as slowly paced camera shots that allow the eye time to study the landscape. Director Marianne Elliott’s move towards minimal dialogue means that we are given the time and space we need to appreciate the finer detail of the scenery.
As well as the striking scenery, Raynor’s relationship with Moth (Jason Isaacs) is also a commendable feature of the film. We’re used to seeing young love celebrated on screen but it is refreshing to see a loving, long term marriage represented. There may not be much raw passion at play but Isaacs and Anderson capture Moth and Raynor’s relationship in a way that is both realistic and moving; it’s in the small sacrifices they make for one another as they both cling for survival and their love is also shown in the playful and gently humorous way they interact with one another.
And that brings me to my one point of contention about the film…. is it just that bit too perfect? Has the turmoil they faced during this difficult chapter of their life been glossed over a bit too much? At the end of the day, this is a story about terminal illness, homelessness and bankruptcy and, at times, it feels a little too sugar coated; especially for those of us with a more cynical outlook on life.
Perhaps The Salt Path needed a little more grit in places but if escapism is what you want, then this film about the enduring nature of real love and finding hope in nature is just the ticket this summer….
The Salt Path is at Plymouth Arts Cinema until Wednesday 11th June. We’re also hosting a special screening on Friday 6th June at 6pm to raise funds for the South West Coast Path Association. Click here for tickets and information.
Reviewed by Cathryn Macey
