The Salt Path, featuring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, is one of the newest films to hit UK cinemas. The film, which premiered in the UK on 30 May, is a cinematic adaptation of the memoir penned by Raynor Winn, an author originating from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Raynor’s tale is heart-wrenching. She and her spouse, Moth Winn, undertook a 630-mile journey along the South West Coast Path in 2013 following a series of unfortunate events. A financial disagreement resulted in Raynor losing her dream home in Wales, mere days after Moth was diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration, a rare neurological disorder.
With nothing more to lose, Moth and Raynor embarked on the strenuous trek from Somerset to Dorset, traversing through Devon and Cornwall, reports Cornwall Live.
The South West Coast path is England’s longest national trail, spanning 630 miles. The walk is renowned for its cliffs, beaches, and coastline.
Five years post their walk, Raynor published her memoir, The Salt Path, in 2018. The book documents the adventure she and Moth embarked on, and their story of survival and resilience.
Raynor’s memoir was shortlisted for the 2018 Wainwright Prize and garnered nationwide praise upon its release.
A few months after the book’s publication, a producer approached Raynor about adapting it into a film. Filming commenced in 2023, with Gillian and Jason stepping into the roles of Raynor and Moth.
The Salt Path is brought to life under the direction of Marianne Elliott, working from a screenplay penned by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Complementing the lead cast are James Lance as Grant, and Hermione Norris in the role of Polly.
The production phase wrapped up in June 2023, after filming in picturesque locations such as Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Aust in Gloucestershire, and scenes also took place on East Head in West Wittering.
In an insightful conversation about the film, Raynor shared with the BBC her observations on the filmmakers’ approach: “The producer and director have created something that’s sparse in dialogue.”
While sparse in dialogue, she notes, “It’s huge in emotion and it urges anyone to focus on the now. Just focus on now and all will turn out differently tomorrow.”
Raynor also candidly revealed that watching the movie transported her “straight back to those emotions that were so difficult”, echoing the poignant impact of the narrative.
The Salt Path was released in UK cinemas on 30 May.