The inspirational drama “The Salt Path” directed by Marianne Elliott opens with the gripping portrayal of a middle-aged couple’s life caught up in a tumultuous sea of hardship and loss. Initially, the film adopts a misleading approach, spinning a tale of appalling adversity that paints a grim picture of the protagonists’ journey. However, as the story progresses, we come to realize that what was portrayed as a cruel fate was, in fact, their salvation. Gifted performances from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs coupled with the absorbing scenery and soundscape make this tale of loss, humanity, and resurgence a worthy emotional exploration.
In the middle age of their lives, Ray Winn (Anderson) and her spouse Moth (Isaacs) are facing difficult times. Their endeavour to convert their rustic English farmhouse into a cozy bed-and-breakfast has failed to attract a steady guest turnout. The couple’s financial status is further strained by a dubious investment deal and a losing court battle stretching across years. Moth has been diagnosed with Corticobasal syndrome, a fatal, neurodegenerative disorder without any cure. Piling on to their woes, they struggle with an empty nest syndrome after sending their children; Rowan (Rebecca Ineson) and Tom (Tucker St. Ivany) off to University and facing an eviction notice from their beloved family home.
On the day they are evicted, confronted by aggressive bailiffs at their door, Ray finds an unorthodox solution; a long walk. With basic camping equipment, minimal clothes, and the travel journal that guides their journey, Raynor and Moth embark on a journey from Somerset to cover a 630-mile hike on the South West Coast Path. These novice hikers endure multiple missteps on the rugged trail, facing grouchy locals, weather challenges, and rocky terrains. Nevertheless, amid the severe weather and physical discomforts, the couple finds healing within nature and reinforcing their bond.
Like “Wild” and “Tracks,” “The Salt Path” intimately depicts the isolation and desperation of the lead characters effectively. Their distressing predicament and the radical solution to their crisis are engaging. Through non-linear flashbacks of Ray’s grief-stricken memories, Elliot and scripter Rebecca Lenkiewicz (who adapts from Winn’s personal memoir of the same name) deliver compassionate reminders that we’re all just a stone’s throw away from a similar vicious run of bad luck. The film underlines the flaws in the systems that were meant to provide support but failed them in times of need, shedding light on Winn’s court case and their failure to secure emergency housing from the government.
However, the narrative isn’t entirely gloomy. The filmmakers infuse a commendable amount of optimism into the story, portraying the kindness of strangers who help the couple on their journey, a wealthy vacationing man who treats the famished couple to an ice cream, a heartbroken young couple who share their unsold pastries, and a brief stay at a hippie commune which offers comforting relief. The pivotal moment when the tide rolls in marks their transformation as they surrender to nature rather than combatting it, proving themselves as seasoned travellers or as “salted,” as a random beachgoer later addresses them.
Nonetheless, there are a few noticeable missteps, such as several over-dramatized attempts to pull at the viewers’ emotions. The film disappointingly digresses with minor subplots and underdeveloped characters. Polly (Hermione Norris), a friend who offers shelter to the couple, is depicted unfavorably in a seclusion-invading role. And while Moth’s decision to forego his prescribed medication in favor of walking and eating restrictively is indeed a miraculous blessing, it feels irresponsible for the film to endorse such a course of action as a viable alternative to medical treatment for similar patients.
Despite these shortcomings, the tremendously emotive performances by Anderson and Isaacs shine through. Their subtle, nuanced acting brings their characters’ struggle, suffering, and eventual happiness alive on screen. Helene Louvart’s cinematography brilliantly captures the evolving conflicts, with its cooler tones for troubled times and warmer ones for happier moments. The characters’ journey of survival takes center stage, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. What resonates is the ultimate message of resilience. These characters may be without a home, but their spirit remains undeterred.
Credit: variety.com
