The Salt Path, a cinematic portrayal of Raynor Winn’s remarkable journey along the South West Coast Path, hits theatres this week.
Raynor and her husband Moth, who was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), found themselves without a home following a disastrous business deal with a friend.
Seeking a fresh start, they embarked on the 630-mile trek of the South West Coast Path, England’s longest marked trail stretching from Somerset to Dorset.
With little money left, the couple set out with only basic camping gear and instant noodles, facing their first challenge setting up a tent on Exmoor’s edge.
Gillian Anderson of Sex Education fame stars as Raynor, alongside Jason Isaacs of Harry Potter renown as Moth, with filming taking place across Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, and various stunning locations in Cornwall such as Padstow and Fistral Beach.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Stephen Romei of The Australian praising it as “an intelligent, bittersweet drama with well-placed moments of humour and humanity.”
Sandra Hall of the Sydney Morning Herald stated: “In the face of misfortune on this scale, it’s tempting to tune out and leave them to it.
“But Anderson and Isaacs are both so appealing in the roles that you can’t help becoming involved.”
Jane Freebury noted: “A long journey around the coast is also a journey inwards, with actors at the top of their game, in this moving story of love, friendship and resolve.”
In an interview with The Big Issue, Anderson expressed the impact of the true story behind the film, stating: “She went on: “I bought Ray’s audiobook and was profoundly affected by it. I was then trying to find out about the rights.”
Isaacs added: “It shocked me how quickly and easily they became homeless.
“One moment they were sure that they were going to keep their home, then they’re sitting in court and suddenly there is a date, a ticking clock.”
The Salt Path will be released in cinemas on May 30