Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:01 am GMT
Amid the scenic backdrop of Dublin, renowned actress Saoirse Ronan recently celebrated the screening of her latest film, *The Outrun*. As she stepped in front of the audience, Ronan expressed her delight at being back home, sharing her new project in a city that has greatly shaped her career.
Celebrating A Homecoming
At the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin, the atmosphere was buzzing as Ronan and the film’s crew gathered to showcase this poignant drama. *The Outrun*, which premieres on this side of the Atlantic after its successful debut at the Sundance Film Festival, delves into the complex issue of addiction through the eyes of a young woman finding her way back to life.
“*This is very different to Sundance,*” Ronan told *The Irish Times*. “*I was just saying that the Lighthouse is one of my favourite cinemas anywhere. I always like being able to come home and share whatever I’ve been working on.*”
The film, based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir, tells a deeply personal story about recovery and self-discovery. Ronan plays the role of a recovering alcoholic who returns to the Orkney Islands after rehabilitation, striving to reconnect with her family and redefine her life.
A Busy Year for Ronan
2024 has been an eventful year for Ronan. Celebrating her 30th birthday in April and marrying actor Jack Lowden in a private ceremony soon thereafter, the actress is also hard at work on multiple films. Following *The Outrun*, she is set to star in Steve McQueen’s *Blitz*, which will premiere at the London Film Festival before a limited release in November.
Reflecting on her experiences this year, Ronan highlighted the uniqueness of working on *Blitz*. “*It’s a beautiful classic Steve McQueen film,*” she described. “*It’s a story of war, told in a way that only Steve McQueen could. It’s got incredible scope while also being very intimate and emotional.*”
Collaboration and Inspiration
The journey to bringing Liptrot’s story to the screen started during the 2020 lockdown, when Lowden recommended the memoir to Ronan. The couple later founded Arcade Pictures to co-produce the film. Ronan expressed excitement about portraying this personal narrative that resonates deeply with both the couple and the regions they cherish.
“*I think there is such a romance to Scotland,*” she stated. “*Historically, going back, there’s a darkness and beauty as well as a connection to the land, like in Ireland. If we can help bring that out then we want to.*”
Ronan emphasized the importance of location in *The Outrun*, particularly the tiny island of Papa Westray, which adds an ethereal quality to the film. “*The island is an essential character in the story,*” she noted, ensuring viewers understand its significance.
The Outrun: A Touching Narrative
The film script explores Liptrot’s turbulent life, contrasting the chaotic nightlife of Hackney, London, with the serene and restorative environment of Orkney. Critics have already begun to praise Ronan’s portrayal, calling it a *”career-best performance.”*
While discussing her approach to the role, Ronan revealed the challenges of embodying a real person. “*It’s more scary because you are very aware of the responsibility to realize the character who is the representation of this real person and their real life,*” she explained. “*It had to be its own entity from the beginning.*”
In preparing for the role, Ronan visited Papa Westray, connecting with the island’s community and immersing herself in its culture. This experience was vital in understanding Liptrot’s journey of recovery and healing.
The Community Impact
The significance of community in the film cannot be overstated. “*The community on the island could not have been more important,*” Ronan shared. “*As cheesy as it sounds, this film couldn’t have been made without them.*”
Filming on Papa Westray posed unique challenges, especially in maintaining the film’s winter setting during summer months when daylight stretches for long hours. Nevertheless, the close-knit nature of the crew during the shoot helped foster authentic connections, reflected in the film.
Looking Ahead
As the awards season approaches, Ronan finds herself once again in the spotlight, with many already considering her a frontrunner for another Academy Award nomination. Having previously become the second youngest person to achieve four Oscar nominations, the actress is hopeful for a fifth this year with both *The Outrun* and *Blitz* generating buzz.
Ronan offers practical advice to younger actors navigating this competitive landscape: “*Bring a friend whenever you can,*” she advises. “*And bring flats! If you’re a girl … or a boy.*”
Despite the pressures of the industry, Ronan remains grounded, finding strength in her roots and the stories that connect her to her homeland. With each new role, she not only captivates audiences but also aims to inspire a new wave of storytelling in Irish and Scottish cinema.
Conclusion
*The Outrun* is not just a movie; it’s a story about addiction, healing, and the importance of home. Saoirse Ronan is growing as an actress and a producer, and her passion for telling meaningful stories really stands out. In *The Outrun*, she encourages everyone to see how powerful it can be to go back to where you came from.
