Watch the Official Trailer (2025) Featuring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs

The Salt Path (2025) is a breathtaking and deeply moving British drama, marking the feature film debut of acclaimed theater director Marianne Elliott. Adapted from Raynor Winn’s bestselling 2018 memoir of the same name, by screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz, this poignant film stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs as Raynor and Moth Winn, a married couple whose lives are upended by devastating setbacks. Faced with homelessness after losing their farm and a terminal diagnosis for Moth, the couple embarks on an extraordinary 630-mile trek along England’s rugged South West Coast Path, stretching from Minehead in Somerset through Devon and Cornwall to Dorset. This journey becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of nature.

A Story Rooted in Reality

The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor and Moth Winn, whose lives unravel after a failed business deal leads to their eviction from their Staffordshire farm and home. Compounding their loss, Moth is diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare and degenerative neurological condition with no cure. With nowhere else to go and little to their name, the couple makes a bold decision: to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path, a grueling trail along the stunning yet unforgiving coastline of southwest England. What begins as an act of desperation evolves into a profound journey of rediscovery, love, and healing, as Raynor and Moth confront their grief, their fears, and the fragility of life itself.

The film masterfully weaves flashbacks of their past life with the present hardships of the trek, offering glimpses into the legal battle that led to their eviction and the emotional toll of Moth’s diagnosis. These moments are juxtaposed with the couple’s encounters on the trail – from breathtaking sunsets and curious seals to rainstorms, hunger, and the judgment of strangers. Through it all, the South West Coast Path emerges as a third character, its dramatic landscapes of craggy cliffs, windswept beaches, and lush forests serving as both a challenge and a source of solace.

Stellar Performances and Emotional Depth

Gillian Anderson delivers a tour-de-force performance as Raynor, embodying a woman whose quiet strength and steely resolve mask deep vulnerability. Stripped of her usual glamour, Anderson portrays Raynor with raw authenticity, her face etched with the shame, exhaustion, and hope of a woman whose world has been torn apart. Jason Isaacs is equally compelling as Moth, bringing charm, humor, and heartbreaking resilience to a man grappling with his mortality. Their chemistry is palpable, capturing the tenderness and tensions of a long-standing marriage tested by crisis. The authenticity of their performances is enhanced by their preparation – Anderson was deeply moved by Winn’s audiobook, while Isaacs spent extensive time discussing Moth’s condition and personality with the real-life Moth, whose vibrant spirit shines through despite his illness.

Supporting roles by James Lance (as Grant) and Hermione Norris (as Polly) add depth to the story, with moments of humor and humanity that punctuate the couple’s journey. A particularly memorable scene involves a comedic misunderstanding where Moth is mistaken for poet laureate Simon Armitage, leading to a warm but awkward encounter with strangers. These lighter moments balance the film’s heavier themes, making the emotional weight more bearable.

A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece

Directed by Marianne Elliott, known for her Tony Award-winning theater productions like War Horse and Angels in America, The Salt Path translates the memoir’s introspective narrative into a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and expansive. Elliott’s direction is patient and deliberate, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the couple’s walk and the ebb and flow of their emotions. While some may find the pacing slow, it mirrors the meditative nature of the journey, giving viewers time to connect with the characters and the landscape.

The cinematography by Hélène Louvart is nothing short of stunning, capturing the wild beauty of the South West Coast Path with sweeping shots of Cornwall’s Fistral Beach, Devon’s Clovelly, and Somerset’s Porlock Weir, among other locations. The rugged cliffs, turbulent seas, and golden sunsets are not just a backdrop but a vital force in the story, reflecting the couple’s inner turmoil and eventual healing. Louvart’s work ensures that the landscape feels alive, at times nurturing and at others unrelenting, much like the journey itself.

The film’s score and sound design complement the visuals, with bird songs, ocean swells, and the crunch of boots on the trail creating an immersive experience. The music subtly underscores the emotional beats, never overpowering the story but enhancing its poignancy.

Themes of Humanity and Rebirth

At its core, The Salt Path is a story about what it means to lose everything and find a way forward. It explores themes of homelessness, illness, and the fragility of security, but it does so with a hopeful and life-affirming tone. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the Winns’ journey – the persistent hunger, the physical exhaustion, the social stigma of being homeless – but it also celebrates the small moments of joy and connection that sustain them, from shared laughter to unexpected acts of kindness from strangers.

Raynor Winn herself has spoken about the film’s impact, noting that it brought her back to the raw emotions of their eviction and Moth’s diagnosis. Yet, she also praises the film for capturing the essence of the book and the “third character” of the coastline, which has inspired countless readers to walk the path themselves. The film subtly critiques the societal systems that failed the couple, such as the legal and social security systems, though some critics note it could have delved deeper into these issues.

A Film That Resonates

The Salt Path has received mixed but largely positive reviews since its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 21 critics. Critics have praised Anderson and Isaacs’ performances and Louvart’s cinematography, though some have noted that the script, while faithful to the memoir, occasionally lacks the depth to fully explore the couple’s humanity beyond their struggles. Still, the film’s sincerity and emotional resonance make it a powerful experience, particularly for those who connect with its themes of renewal and the healing power of nature.

Final Thoughts

The Salt Path is a touching and visually arresting film that reminds us of the strength found in vulnerability and the solace offered by the natural world. Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs deliver performances that are both understated and profound, carrying the weight of their characters’ pain and hope with grace. While its pacing may not suit every viewer, those who surrender to its rhythm will find a deeply rewarding exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.