Interview: Saoirse Ronan on Addiction, Recovery, and ‘The Outrun’ [VIDEO]

Addiction is a universal struggle and one oft explored in film and television. The Outrun, directed by Nora Fingscheidt (System Crasher), offers a unique take on this familiar journey. Set against the stunning and isolating backdrop of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, the film follows Rona, a woman navigating the difficult path to recovery. At the heart of the story is Saoirse Ronan, whose nuanced portrayal of Rona brings the character to life with all the emotional depth and complexity audiences have come to expect from the four-time Oscar-nominated actor.

At a recent press day, I had the opportunity to speak with Ronan about her performance and her personal connection to the role. She revealed that her own life had been touched by alcoholism, a theme that deeply resonated with her. “It really shaped me growing up, and it’s been this, like, monster in the corner of the room that I really hadn’t quite dealt with—I’d just always been really angry at it,” Ronan shared candidly.

When the opportunity to adapt Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir presented itself, Ronan felt the timing was serendipitous. “It felt, for me personally, that it was the right time for me to tackle something like that and sort of break it open and explore why it affects me the way that it does,” she explained. The project not only allowed her to delve into the intricacies of addiction but also helped her understand it in new ways. “This experience taught me to understand the psychology of an addict in a way that I wasn’t willing to before,” she added.

Ronan also touched on her personal routines and how she stays grounded amidst emotionally demanding projects. While many actors prefer being driven to set, Ronan enjoys taking the wheel herself. “Over the past few years, I’ve started driving myself to work, which is just the best,” she said. Filming on the Orkney Islands provided an additional sense of tranquility. That time to just let it all go was particularly serene while filming in such a beautiful, isolated place.

She praises her collaboration with Fingscheidt, who is known for her raw, unflinching storytelling. The director’s keen focus on character-driven narratives allowed Ronan to further stretch her creative muscles. As for what’s next, Ronan hinted at an interest in exploring even more challenging and unconventional roles, cementing her reputation as one of the most versatile actors of her generation. She also talks about wanting to work with Paul Mescal again (Gladiator III?), her love of Wicked and if we’ll see her in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film.

The Outrun marks another milestone in Ronan’s illustrious career, a poignant and personal story brought to life by her exceptional talent and emotional authenticity.