The narrative centers on Rona, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, who returns to her childhood home in the breathtaking Orkney Islands of Scotland after completing a rigorous ninety-day alcohol treatment program. This picturesque yet remote setting serves as the backdrop for Rona’s quest to rebuild her life. With her parents living independently due to their separation, Rona finds herself navigating the contrasting worlds of her mother, who is deeply involved in religious and social activities, and her father, who is deeply rooted in the pastoral life of the farm.
As Rona helps her father, Stephen Dillane, on the farm, she grapples with the shadows of her past and enduring loneliness. Flashbacks unveil her previous existence as a vibrant biology student in London, where she experienced both independence and romance with her boyfriend, Daynin, played by Paapa Essiedu. However, those joyful moments are tainted by her descent into alcoholism, which not only complicated her relationship with Daynin but also led to widespread personal turmoil. The devastating moment when Daynin leaves her after she is unable to manage her addiction triggers a violent episode fueled by intoxication, compelling Rona to seek help and confront her demons.
Despite her return to the serene landscapes of Orkney, Rona's struggle with addiction is far from over. She faces numerous hurdles while trying to reintegrate into her previous environment. A poignant moment occurs when she succumbs to temptation, stealing wine from her father's unattended glass during one of his sorrowful spells, succumbing to the relentless pull of her addiction. This relapse starkly illustrates the ongoing battle she faces within.
In her pursuit of a fresh start, Rona secures a position with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), dedicating herself to the conservation of the endangered corncrake. The bird’s haunting call serves as a metaphor for Rona’s own search for identity and purpose in life. This new role requires her to spend long hours alone, listening intently for the elusive call of the corncrake, providing not just a distraction but also a therapeutic outlet for her to heal.
As Rona journeys to Papa Westray, a close-knit and secluded island, she confronts both the unpredictable elements of nature and her internal struggles. Living alone amidst the unforgiving winter, Rona reconnects with the natural world and rekindles her passion for biology, particularly through her fascination with seaweed. It is during this isolating period that Rona forms a bond with a fellow recovering alcoholic who runs the local grocery store, offering her both support and a reflective mirror to her own experiences.
With the arrival of spring, Rona begins to feel a sense of rejuvenation. The climax of her journey comes when she finally hears the long-sought call of the corncrake— a moment that symbolizes a significant turning point in her life. Rona’s joyful laughter at this culmination not only signifies her hard-earned recovery but also her newfound strength and courage to embrace the future, reflecting a gradual but powerful acceptance of her circumstances. The story beautifully encapsulates Rona's journey of healing, resilience, and hope amidst the trials of addiction and the search for belonging.
