Gillian Anderson drops Hollywood glamour for a poignant portrayal of resilience in the film “The Salt Path.” The movie is an adaptation of Raynor Winn’s 2018 memoir, chronicling the couple’s extraordinary 630-mile trek along the South West Coast Path of England.

The trailer no longer sports the coiffed hairstyles and dramatic makeup Anderson is known for. Instead, the raw, weathered portrayal reveals struggles through Raynor. The movie doesn’t hold back in terms of authenticity, though. Hair and makeup artist Emily Bilverstone and Laura McDowell instead used a more natural approach on Anderson’s complexion by using a bronzed touch to bring out the wear and tear of a grueling journey.

The trailer offers a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster the Winns experienced. We see Jason Isaacs, portraying Raynor’s husband Moth, grappling with a terminal illness while facing the harsh reality of homelessness. A stark contrast to their previous life, the trailer opens with a heartbreaking exchange. A question by a bank teller, “Are you retired?” gets answered bluntly by Moth, “Homeless, actually.” Raynor further reinforces the devastation when she adds to this by saying, “We lost everything. Our home, our livelihood.”

Yet beneath the turmoil, the pair does share something: there’s an unmistakable relationship. When Moth tumbles, his quick-witted wisecracking lines with a “You should take me back to the shop and get a different [husband],” show nothing but pure love coming back from Raynor through an easy kiss on the forehead.

The journey is far from easy. The trailer shows the Winns fighting the elements – unforgiving weather, challenging terrain, and even unfriendly locals. Yet, amidst the struggle, there are moments of profound beauty and connection with nature. Raynor’s observation, “Walking gives us time to think,” resonates deeply. Moth’s reply, “I thought the house and everything was us, but it wasn’t,” hints at the transformative power of their experience.

“The Salt Path” is not just a survival film but a testament to the human spirit. It promises a story of resilience, love, and rediscovery-all against the backdrop of a breathtaking coastal path. The film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, is slated to hit UK theaters next year, and Anderson’s commitment to the role shines through. As she said to Variety, “It changed my perspective. [I] truly embraced the depths of my own compassion because it feels like a universal problem that needs to be solved.”