Gillian Anderson has revealed how deeply moved she was by the memoir The Salt Path, which inspired the new film in which she stars. The book, written by Raynor Winn, chronicles her and her husband’s journey after losing their home. With only a few pennies to their name, they embark on a challenging long-distance walk along the scenic South West Coast Path.
Anderson, best known for her roles in The X-Files and The Crown, plays Raynor Winn in the film. Joining her is Jason Isaacs, known for Harry Potter, who portrays her husband, Moth. Anderson shared with the Big Issue that she discovered the memoir about two years before filming began. “I bought Ray’s audiobook and was profoundly affected by it,” she said. Eager to be involved, she reached out to producer Lloyd Levin after learning he held the rights, and soon became attached to the project.
Jason Isaacs reflected on the story’s emotional weight, noting, “It shocked me how quickly and easily they became homeless. One moment they were certain they’d keep their home, then suddenly there was a court date—a ticking clock.”
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The memoir and film illuminate not only homelessness but also the couple’s resilience in the face of Moth’s diagnosis with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare neurological condition affecting movement and memory.
Since its publication in 2018, The Salt Path has touched many readers and became a Sunday Times bestseller. Now, the film adaptation brings their moving journey to the big screen, premiering on May 30.