DIRECTOR
Marianne Elliott

STARS
Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs

Four-time Tony Award winning British theatre director Marianne Elliott takes her first steps away from the stage to direct her debut feature film, The Salt Path, based on a 2018 memoir of the same name by Raynor Winn.

Though its premise might be bleak sounding, this meditative and meaningful production proves itself capable of connecting viewers to its two central characters equally as it does to its picturesque settings. A life neither of them chose yet one whose environment and new existence strengthened their bond.

Middle-aged married couple Moth and Raynor (Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson) are carrying much more than a backpack each for a hike as they commence a 630 mile (1,010 kilometres) walk along the South West Coast Path, the longest uninterrupted path in England. Including a lifetime supply of tea (good ol’ Brits!), every single item they now possess in their lives is secured inside those bags. As will be explained to us over flashbacks throughout the film, some unfortunate circumstances have led to them losing absolutely everything they own, including their family home, with very, very little notice. Despite meeting constant challenges posed by the lack of funds to survive and accommodation in the form of a tent in some testy weather conditions, Moth and Raynor always have each other. The loss of stability introduces a newfound sense of freedom into their lives. Their raw experiences with nature and mother nature reimagines intimacy between them. But just how long can this nomadic-like existence be maintained, especially when a health issue threatens to truncate their lofty hiking ambitions?

This movie, which distributes its time between the two timelines nicely, is the epitome of the saying ‘it’s the journey, not the destination’.

The Salt Path won’t necessarily be remembered by or recommended for its cinematic qualities or acting performances. It truly is the journey that matters most and the part of Moth and Raynor’s story chronicled in this film is one that produces many dear moments. Moments that connect and define a couple. Tough moments that derive laughter and sombre ones that bring closeness. Moments in which we will reflect upon and cherish in time to come. Moments that become memories, which will hold a special place in our hearts because of who we shared them with and what they mean to us. Now, please do excuse me for sounding as though I am writing an application to work with Hallmark cards! This sentimental story really is the kind to remind you that a life partner can really be your everything and have you reaching for your special someone’s hand in the auditorium. And to make you become soft, evidently. Speaking of special someone, Moth and Raynor do have young adults they have raised in life. These characters are rarely a part of The Salt Path, which is fine, but I would have liked a little more involvement than is given.

Overall, there isn’t anything extravagant or exuberant about The Salt Path. It’s relatively small-scale whose target demographic is the same age bracket as the real-life married couple depicted, yet just about all ages would be capable at connecting with this journey.

The Salt Path is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from May 15th 2025.

Moviedoc thanks Transmission and TM Publicity for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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