Exploring Redemption and Resilience in The Outrun: A Journey of Self-Love and Growth in 2025

By Kanika Phillip

Going to the cinema is one of my simplest joys. As a proud Everyman loyalist, there’s nothing better to me than relaxing and clearing my mind for a couple of hours, immersing myself in a great film. Among the standout independent movies I had the pleasure of seeing last year was The Outrun, starring the brilliant Saoirse Ronan.

The story follows Rona (played by Ronan), who, after living a fast-paced and turbulent life in London, decides to return to her roots in the wild, breath-taking beauty of Scotland’s Orkney Islands. She hopes the familiarity of her childhood home will help her come to terms with her troubled past and begin a journey of healing.

What sets The Outrun apart is its deep and thoughtful exploration of themes like alcoholism, mental health, self-love, loss, and isolation—themes that are incredibly relevant as we move into 2025.

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to think about the ways we can embrace self-love and care. One of the most compelling aspects of The Outrun is its nuanced portrayal of self-love. Rona clearly demonstrates self-love through her refusal to give up on herself, no matter how difficult her journey becomes. She tries new jobs, takes on new challenges. The progression of her self-love is symbolised through her changing hairstyles throughout the film, reflecting her personal growth and newfound confidence.

Self-love is something we could benefit from more. Especially if we start doing more of the things that we love—whether that’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking time out for ourselves. It’s the perfect moment for a personal rebirth, just like Rona.

One of the more unexpected but delightful aspects of Rona’s journey is her discovery of a passion for seaweed. She throws herself—literally—into freezing waters in the Atlantic and begins to learn about seaweed’s properties and uses. These moments in the water stood out to me because they felt like a rebirth—a symbolic cleansing of her soul, saying goodbye to the past and welcoming in a new version of herself.

Just as Rona embraced her new passion, let’s think about what we can discover in ourselves this year. It’s about finding something that lights a fire within us, something that we can pour our heart and energy into. Whether it’s a new passion, a hobby, or a deeper connection to our communities, let’s make 2025 the year of personal growth and exploration.

The film also delves into the theme of isolation. Sometimes, isolation is necessary (in healthy moderation) to clear our minds and get our heads straight. For Rona, isolating herself on the Orkney Islands initially seems like a way to hide—perhaps from herself, or maybe from others. But over time, this isolation becomes a space for reflection, healing, and rediscovery.

As we enter 2025, let’s remember that it’s okay to seek solitude when we need it. But it’s also important to reach out, to connect with others, and not allow ourselves to stay isolated for too long. Rona eventually stops hiding and begins to connect with the local community, forming meaningful relationships. One of the pivotal moments in the film occurs when she realises that the shop owner on the last island she visits is, in fact, a recovering alcoholic himself. Their connection is subtle yet profound, and he becomes a source of inspiration for her. His journey gives Rona that final boost to recognise that her life doesn’t have to remain the same.

Though I’m not an alcoholic (but definitely partial to a Henny with apple juice—or two!), I definitely connected with Rona’s story. Addiction is something most of us face in one form or another. Whether it’s simple things like music, cake, or the longing for someone’s love, we’ve all experienced it in some way.

Rona’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-love. She was simply a likeable character—so real, full of determination and hope—yet this disease kept wanting to knock her down at every hurdle. It started to affect her long-term relationship with the man she loved. She hid alcohol behind the toilet and pretended she was sober when she wasn’t. Alcoholism was going to make her lose it all.

Another standout element of the movie was the beauty of the Orkney Islands themselves. The breathtakingly scenery was something special, unlike anything else I’ve seen in cinemas this year. From the serene waters to the lush greenery, every frame was stunning. A particularly moving subplot was Rona’s quest to find a rare, endangered bird said to inhabit one of the islands. The bird doesn’t appear until the very end of the movie—just as Rona begins to figure out how to get her life back on track. The symbolism was subtle but powerful, showing that beauty and hope can emerge when you least expect it.

The Outrun is a powerful exploration of redemption, resilience, and connection. It’s a story about finding your passions, embracing change, and learning to love yourself again. As we welcome in 2025, it’s the perfect time for all of us to work on these themes of self-love, connection, and mental health. Let’s embrace the year ahead with open arms, knowing that change is possible, and our journey of healing, like Rona’s, can lead us to a brighter future.