Film: The Salt Path

Many who watch this film will have read the best-selling book from which the true story is adapted. I had never heard of it before, but I was intrigued by the storyline.

Farmers Raynor and Moth (played by Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs) lose their home and livelihood after they mistakenly trust a friend to invest their money. The week they receive notice from the bank to leave their home and farm, Moth attends a previously scheduled doctor's appointment and is diagnosed with a rare, incurable, and debilitating disease. He initially thought the limp he had was due to a fall that left him with a bad back.

It does sound like a daytime made-for-TV film, especially given their unusual names. The fact that it is a true story makes it all the more heartbreaking to watch them lose everything, having to explain the situation to their adult children, and later hiding from the bailiff to prolong their time to say goodbye to their family home.

The "Salt Path" refers to the 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path. Ray and Moth now have to live on meagre social security benefits and feeling they have nowhere to go, decide to embark on the road to nowhere. (The Talking Heads track is not in the soundtrack; rather, they have gone with gentle background music to fit the tranquil coastal scenery). This is a brave move for anyone, but especially for someone with a bad back, a limp, and now a crippling illness. They buy a tent—as their new home—with their last bit of savings and set off on this uncertain journey.

Along the way, they face various challenges such as storms, cold weather, illness, hunger, indifference from locals, and a case of mistaken identity (which unexpectedly brings them some luck). However, they also experience warmth and kindness from others and enjoy spectacular scenery. Most importantly, Moth begins to improve, demonstrating how essential it is to have a calm mind for a healthier body.

I admired Moth's can-do attitude as he carried a large tent and climbed steep cliffs despite his physical limitations. He remained joyful and defiant throughout, his humour showcasing the strength of their wonderful partnership.

Some questions remain unanswered, perhaps addressed in the book:

What compelled them to entrust all of their money to a friend who ultimately vanished after he won the court case that cost them everything? Why were their friends, family, and even their children unhelpful? They were in contact with people who claimed not to have "room for them." I will never understand why some people turn away from their loved ones in times of need. Surely, a few friends could have offered them a place to stay for a few months?

Additionally, I found the attitude of their children particularly concerning, especially since neither was living at home. Perhaps they were unaware of Moth's illness. Regardless, they behaved brattily during this difficult time for their parents.

Despite these unanswered questions, I challenge anyone not to feel compassion as this remarkable story unfolds on the big screen.

7½/10