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The Salt Path (The Film)

(332 Posts)
TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 19:21:49

I think there have been quite a few discussions on GN about the book since its publication. We went to see the film this afternoon, mixed reviews, not an overwhelming 5 stars from some critics. I loved it, found it very affecting in the portrayal of the depth of Ray and Moth's relationship, a rock solid marriage facing insurmountable problems, losing their home, subsequently made homeless, related in flashbacks. Practically penniless bar the meagre weekly benefit they received drawn along the way, whilst they set off on what would seem an insane challenge given Moth's serious and rare illness. Set backs en route, not least of all the elements wreaking havoc on their flimsy tent whilst they undertake the daunting, but beautiful south west coastal walk, I love that part of the world one of the reasons that drew me to the book in the first place.. Fantastic acting particularly from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs ultimately uplifting.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:23:43

We were going this afternoon!! But the wind and rain put us off, so will go either tomorrow or sometime,

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:26:25

I quite fancy it. I think Gillian Anderson is a fantastic actor. One of my most favourites. Beautiful too.
I loved her in the Edith Wharton production ‘House of Mirth’.
(Sorry, not meant to derail Terribull).

I will probably wait for Netflix. Mind you, the glorious cinematography probably deserves the expanse of a big screen to do justice to the sweeping landscapes.

TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 19:28:26

Oh well we braved the wind and rain WW, which made me feel even more sympathetic to Moth and Ray when their tent was at times put in a very precarious state battling the elements. When you do manage to see it, do come back and let us know your thoughts.

Primrose53 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:35:32

In her book she makes out they are so hard done by and everyone is against them.

They were made homeless! All they had to do was contact the council and they would have been rehoused. She seems to be a bit of a snob so my guess is she would rather walk the coast path than live in a council house. 😉

Much of the book was taken up by her complaining that all they had to eat was a fluff covered boiled sweet she found in a pocket or some chips they found near a bin.

butterandjam Tue 03-Jun-25 19:39:17

I enjoyed the book so looked forward to the film, saw it last week and was terribly disappointed. One of the worst film adaptations of a book I've ever sat through. More scenery than
sensibility.

DH, who had not read the book , could not make any sense at all of the flips back and forth in time and place.

Lathyrus3 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:41:08

I hope she’s been back and repaid the people that she stole from.

Bridie22 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:49:28

I enjoyed the book but not the film, I felt so much of the book had been omitted.
To me Gillian Anderson just didn't fit portraying Winn.
The scenery however was stunning.

TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 19:52:20

It was a while ago I read the book, I can't remember the finer detail, and I know it divided opinions, as no doubt the film will, insomuch as some were exasperated possibly by viewing them as architects of their own misfortune. I think I read and viewed it in the spirit of resilience triumphing over adversity.

"I hope she's been back and repaid the people that she stole from" What did that relate to, I've not read about it?

Lathyrus3 Tue 03-Jun-25 19:57:12

She stole stuff to eat. It’s in the book.

Franski Tue 03-Jun-25 20:04:02

Intetesting comments! I enjoyed the book but had the same qs about their homeless situation and a few other bits that didn't add up. Was particularly annoyed aboyt the shoplifting and the early escape from the campsite without paying. I remember writing this on a Goodreads review and got such an angry response..... anyway, it's cheered me up to read these posts smile

TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 20:13:55

Well I did say I forgot the finer detail. Whilst, not condoning stealing per se, stealing to survive, possibly not so shocking in light of the fact that times have moved on since the book was published and now society is in an age of almost sanctioned shoplifting. Shoplifting out of pure greed, not to survive, but stealing to order, luxury items to sell on, whilst the powers that be appear to have thrown their hands up in the air and turned a blind eye in a "oh well what can we do?" I agree in an ideal world people wouldn't steal, it affects businesses, it isn't a victimless crime.

Parsley3 Tue 03-Jun-25 20:19:56

I have read the book and didn't take to either of them. They stole and scrounged their way along the route. She is lucky that the people contibuting to her book success were prepared to overlook the more dubious behaviour. As for the film, I will go as I like the two lead actors.

Pantglas2 Tue 03-Jun-25 20:43:15

We saw the film this afternoon and I will source the book to see what they left out!

I prefer to do it this way round as I’m normally rather cross when I enjoy a book first then find the film has cut corners.

Allira Tue 03-Jun-25 21:04:52

I was in town with a DGD when they were filming but thought we'd better not go and join in!
Perhaps I should go and see it to see if I spot anyone I know.

keepingquiet Tue 03-Jun-25 21:11:36

I haven't read the book but have heard about it. Recently I have seen lots of publicity about the film. I really don't know much of the story but straight away I wondered about how 'true' this story was, and what has happened to them since?
Now I have read these posts I really don't think it is the thing for me...
Lots of people are made homeless but don't then to go on to make money from book sales and film rights.
Call me a cynic, but they won't be getting any money out of me.

Septimia Tue 03-Jun-25 21:26:27

I enjoyed the book, although there were some things that made me feel a bit uncomfortable. The subsequent books I found less engaging.

I've no desire to see the film - for one thing the pictures won't be as good as those in my imagination!

MayBee70 Wed 04-Jun-25 00:31:26

I enjoyed the ok but for some reason ( which I feel a bit bad about) find the author irritating, even though she does write beautifully.

Franski Wed 04-Jun-25 05:41:57

I agree that some people are desperate and starving. But the point about this couple was that they did have a choice. They weren't sitting selling the Big Issue.
They were hiking around the South West coastline, as middle class people tend to do. At any point when they they felt they could no longer do this in a self sustainable way through wild camping and thrift (ie not stealing and freeloading) they could have gone home and sought accommodation. I hope they paid back what they took. Nevertheless, shd writes well, it was a fascinating read and made me think.

Sara1954 Wed 04-Jun-25 06:08:29

I won’t see the film, I’m tempted by the scenery, love that part of the country.
But I agree with Primrose above, their choice, anyone would think they were forced to do it. I also question their ‘strong relationship’ if my husband had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, I don’t think I’d be dragging him off on a totally foolhardy journey.
Glad you enjoyed the film though TerriBull.

Sparklefizz Wed 04-Jun-25 09:54:49

Parsley3

I have read the book and didn't take to either of them. They stole and scrounged their way along the route. She is lucky that the people contibuting to her book success were prepared to overlook the more dubious behaviour. As for the film, I will go as I like the two lead actors.

I didn't like them either Parsley3 and (like Sara1954) I thought it was ridiculous that they tackled the walk when his health was in such a bad way. I felt uncomfortable re the scrounging and their attitudes.

I won't be going to see the film after finding the book irritating.

blue25 Wed 04-Jun-25 11:06:09

I found her irritating in the book & hated how she stole from shops. I’ll watch the film though as I love the SW coast path.

Dayzee Wed 04-Jun-25 12:11:48

Have just started listening to the book on Audible as I take my (somewhat shorter!) walks. I am so glad that I am not the only one finding it difficult to engage with the main characters. I guess that the "Big Idea" that comes to her is to write a book about their journey.....I hope there is something else as well...

Nannan2 Wed 04-Jun-25 13:47:16

Sorry but this doesnt sound interesting in the least- as someone else said- i'll wait for Netflix to show it and then see, but at least if its got nothing going for it other than the scenery i can switch off & not have wasted my time&money😆

Labadi0747 Wed 04-Jun-25 13:49:09

I’m heartened to read all these comments as I felt quite curmudgeonly after reading the book . All this poor me stuff / we ve got no money but others do. It annoyed me but felt bad thinking that ! Anyways she’s ok now isn’t she ~ didn’t someone “ lend “ them a home 😡