The Salt Path
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
The Salt Path is the interpretation of the memoirs of Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn, who went through their lowest point in life and discovered themselves. This harrowing true-to-life story has this couple journey along the 630-mile (1,010 km) South West Coast Path of England after losing their home and a devastating health diagnosis. Famed stage director Marianne Elliott takes on the Winn’s heart-rending story in her feature directorial debut.
Raynor and Moth lived idyllically in the English countryside with their family until two significant events occurred. Firstly, Moth was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and was looking at an uncertain future. Then came the disastrous courtroom drama that led the couple to lose their home and livelihood. As the creditors knocked on their door, they decided to take all they had financially and begin the daunting trek on the South West Coast Path. Homeless, physically struggling due to the illness and desperate for money, they grew together as they found something they didn’t know existed before in their lives, hope and determination to live.
As one sits in the theatre and experiences the Winn’s story as it unfolds on screen, there is a disjointedness to the storytelling that is both discombobulating and telling of this couple. Their situation isn’t fully explained as the narrative unfolds until flashbacks explain their story. Initially, this storytelling method is uncomfortable as the audience yearns to know how this middle-aged husband and wife ended up in this circumstance. Yet, for those willing to hold on to the explanation, the style of filmmaking begins to complement what is unfolding on the screen.
Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs are unnervingly and brilliantly convincing as this pair is trying to figure out how to survive and what the future holds for them. Initially, nature presents as their enemy, but eventually, it becomes their solace and proves to be what they need. Their relationship goes through waves of difficulty and opposition and gets pushed to the limits of survival. Yet, once they realise they don't need the creature comforts of the world to sustain them, they eventually show how this season of their lives established their resolve to live. The Salt Path shows the beauty and the unmitigated pain that comes from living, which can be worth fighting for if you can do it together.
Have you ever thought of starting a movie discussion group? This might be your Third Space.
Reel Dialogue: Where is God in all of the suffering?
One element never addressed in this film is the role of God in the Winn’s suffering. Yet, for many, the question of God's existence as suffering occurs throughout their story is one worth considering. People have asked these questions throughout human history and will continue to ask them until the end of time.
Something that people can find in the Bible is the answer to this profound question and more. Even though the God of the Bible is not the maker of evil, he allows it to make its way into people’s lives to help mould their lives and draw them closer to himself. This might sound counterintuitive, but this truth makes more sense for those willing to study this subject in detail. Also, the God of the Bible did provide a solution to the world's evils with the introduction of Jesus to this world. His sacrifice can provide salvation for anyone who believes in him for all eternity.
