Saoirse Ronan Takes on Challenging Role in The Outrun
Saoirse Ronan is known for immersing herself in her roles, but her latest project, The Outrun, pushed her to new limits. Starring as Rona in Amy Liptrot’s award-winning memoir adaptation, Saoirse had to learn the ropes of farming in Orkney, where the story is set.
The film follows Rona, a young woman returning to her home in Orkney to confront her past and struggles with addiction. To prepare for the role, Saoirse dove headfirst into the world of farming, learning everything from feeding animals to lambing.
“I was lambing,” Saoirse shared with BBC Scotland News. “I don’t think you can fake that as you’ll see from the film.” She observed local farmers and even received coaching from a young farmer named Kyle, who oversaw multiple farms on the Orkney mainland.
The challenges didn’t stop there, as Saoirse and the team faced unpredictable Orcadian weather during filming. They had to adapt their shooting schedule to nature, even using a wind machine on calm, sunny days.
Despite the hurdles, Saoirse and her husband, Jack Lowden, who is also a producer on the film, were determined to capture the essence of Orkney. They were supported by the local community, with many locals making cameos in the film.
The immersive experience extended beyond the screen, with Saoirse and the cast and crew fully embracing the Orkney way of life. From wild swimming to living together on the island, everyone involved in the project was deeply connected to the story and setting.
As The Outrun premieres at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Saoirse reflects on the transformative journey of bringing Amy Liptrot’s powerful story to life. With a deep appreciation for the Orkney community and the beauty of the landscape, Saoirse’s dedication to the role shines through in every frame of the film.
