Saoirse Ronan shares her ‘outrun’ experience at the Sundance Film Festival
Famous for her period roles, Saoirse Ronan unveiled her latest project ‘The Outrun’ against the glamorous backdrop of the Sundance Film Festival. An adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir, the film follows the journey of Rona, a woman struggling with alcoholism, who finds solace in the rustic tranquility of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, where she returns to work on her father’s sheep farm.
Ronan’s hands-on experience
For his portrayal of Ronan, Ronan studied the roughness of rural life, even taking on the difficult task of delivering seven lambs. An experience she admits was terrifying, Fear of possible harm it may bring to animals. Despite the fear, these hands-on experiences enriched her understanding of her character and the life she was portraying on screen.
Freedom of modern characters
Ronan also spoke about the refreshing change of pace that ‘The Outrun’ offered her, allowing her to embody a modern character without the constraints of historical etiquette. Interpreting a character struggling with addiction, she admitted, was a challenging task. Still, it was a journey she went through, guided by the real Amy Liptrot, that helped her develop a nuanced portrayal.
Embracing Orkney’s culture and accent
Her partner, Jack Lowden, introduced her to the book, and his affection for Orkney’s culture played a significant part in her decision to adapt the story. Ronan also elaborated on the intricacies of mastering a Scottish accent, which contrasted with his native Irish accent. Her physical preparation for the role included music and dancing, particularly vibing to Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ album.
Learning and adapting on set
The filming process was also a journey of discovery for Ronan, uncovering interesting facts such as the shared DNA between humans and jellyfish and developing a fascination with seals. To depict her character’s changing hairstyles, they resorted to using washable clay instead of a wig, an adaptation necessitated by budget constraints.
Reflecting on her experience, Ronan compared the danger associated with delivering sheep to a scene in ‘Lady Bird’ where her character jumps from a moving vehicle. She said the real-life experience was more terrifying, reflecting the immersive nature of her role in ‘The Outrun’.
