Jason Isaacs is set to wow audiences with his latest role as Moth Winn in the highly anticipated film, The Salt Path, currently playing in cinemas across the UK. Best known for his portrayal of the sinister Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, which he was a part of from 2002 to 2011, Jason has undergone a dramatic transformation for his new character.
In The Salt Path, set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, Jason takes on the role of Moth, a man who, along with his wife Raynor, finds himself homeless and grappling with a life-altering diagnosis. With nothing to lose, the couple embarks on an extraordinary journey along the 630-mile South West Coast Path, England’s longest uninterrupted footpath.
Jason’s on-screen appearance is a far cry from the polished, blonde-haired, and clean-shaven Lucius Malfoy. Instead, he sports grey locks and a rugged beard, perfectly capturing the essence of Moth.
In a candid interview with Radio Times, Jason expressed his admiration for the real-life Moth and Ray, saying: “We really like them. Ray and Moth are amazing people, and their story is so inspiring. The books are so successful, and rightfully so, because they contain messages of such hope and belief and compassion.”
Jason also humorously touched on his efforts to emulate Moth’s mannerisms, remarking: “I’m never gonna be as tall, handsome, smiley [as Moth], he’s just an extraordinary man.”
Delving deeper, Jason added: “So I just wanted to know, ‘What is it inside him?’ One of the things I got when I met him is the sign that he wanted everyone else to feel comfortable.”
Aside from his iconic role in Harry Potter, Jason has also appeared in an array of notable projects, including The White Lotus, which premiered earlier this year, as well as The Patriot, the cancelled Netflix series The OA, and Star Trek: Discovery. Jason is blissfully wed to Emma Hewitt, and the pair are proud parents to two daughters, Lily and Ruby.
Critics have lavished praise on ‘The Salt Path’, which boasts an impressive 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many hailing it as a “beautiful and touching” cinematic experience.
One viewer was captivated, sharing: “How wonderful to watch this movie, I could have watched their journey all night, great scenery, heart ache and vulnerability. The profound moment when Moth said it gave him freedom. Could watch it again and still discover new things. Trekking is great therapy one foot in front of the other. Beautifully directed, heart felt.”
Another was equally moved, commenting: “Simply beautiful deeply touching film. The acting is outstanding and the scenery breathtaking. There are no marvel comic book superheroes, nobody gets shot or kidnapped by aliens…. it’s about real people living real lives.”
A third admirer expressed: “This is a well-written, true story about a couple’s strength and durability during a scenic hike on the Salt Path. This is a heartwarming, poignant film exposing the emotional connection between an older couple during their 600 plus walk that clarifies their life.”