Saoirse Ronan stars in film set in Orkney

Saoirse Ronan has opened up about her experience learning lambing for her latest film, "The Outrun," which is based on Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir. The story follows a young woman returning to her Orkney home to confront her past and battle her addictions. Ronan described the initial fear of handling the lambs, noting that while they appear lifeless, the process requires a certain roughness. Overcoming her initial trepidation, she found confidence in her performance, despite the internal struggle to maintain a facade of composure. The film's director, Nora Fingscheidt, revealed that the project was born during the pandemic when they were reading extensively. She shared that the director had previously visited the Orkney Islands for research on explorer John Rae, which led him to discover Liptrot's memoir. After finishing the book, he encouraged Ronan to take on the role, recognizing its deep relatability and emotional resonance. Filming took place over multiple visits to Orkney, including a return trip to capture winter scenes. The production team received significant support from local residents, many of whom had personal connections to Liptrot and her family. This collaboration included local people acting for the first time, enriching the film's authenticity and connection to the community. Ronan emphasized the immersive nature of the experience, highlighting that she was not alone in her dedication to authentically portraying the story. The film aims to resonate with audiences by transforming relatable themes into a compelling narrative.