The Salt Path

Director: Marianne Elliott

The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor “Ray” (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn. Ray and Moth have had their lives turned upside down by homelessness and a devastating health diagnosis. In an attempt to deal with it, they decide to set off on a walk along England’s Devon and Cornwall coast, a walk that gives them a purpose and inspires and challenges them in equal measure.

If you wondered what it would be like watching two people out for a walk for just under two hours, then The Salt Path answers that question. It’s a very gentle film, that delivers exactly what you’d expect. And that is probably both its strength and weakness. 

On the plus side, it is a redemption story, a couple shook to their core by both  financial and health related trauma. But as they take their long walk, they begin to overcome, see new options and see the positives in their life. But on the downside, the first half particularly, seems relentlessly grim and as much of an endless plod as the walk itself. It feels like a lot of toil, to not get particularly far, and where you do get to feels predictable and not very far from where you started.

On the plus side, Jason Isaacs is a fine character actor who is always watchable and is so here. Gillian Anderson is a little harder work, with an accent that does as much wandering as her character does, and a facial expression that doesn’t overly change regardless of the situation.

The film looks great and will encourage plenty of trips to Devon and Cornwall. And if you love a metaphor this is for you! But overall I’m not sure it does the Winn’s inspirational story justice.

The Salt Path is exactly what you’d expect if you are going to watch two people out for a walk for two hours. It feels like hard going to ultimately take you where you expect. Jason Isaacs is eminently watchable, and does keep you engaged. And it does look great and if you love a metaphor this will be your kind of film. But ultimately I’m not sure it does the true story the justice it deserves.