Saoirse Ronan in "The Outrun."Sony Pictures Classics
Saoirse Ronan's hugely anticipated film "The Outrun" is set to be released in Irish theaters today, Friday, September 27, with critics already saying her performance will likely put her in the running for an Oscar nomination.
Saoirse's depiction of Rona in the movie, a woman who is fresh out of rehab for alcohol addiction, has seen her tipped for a possible Best Actress nod at the Oscars 2025, according to Variety.
We can't wait to watch it - but what is the film all about?
What is "The Outrun" about?
"The Outrun" is based on Amy Liptrot's 2015 memoir of the same name and follows Saoirse's character, Rona, as she returns to the Orkney Islands, in Scotland, after a decade in London.
When we meet Rona, she is recovering from an alcohol addiction that she developed during her time in the capital city. The film follows the star as she journeys through a tough rehabilitation period.
The protagonist has a difficult relationship with both her Mum, who has escaped into religion and her Dad, whose bipolar condition often creates a divide between the pair.
The film also takes us back to Saoirse's character's party days back in London, to help us piece together the story of how she ended up in her current state.
In the trailer, Saoirse's character can be seen walking by the grey and stormy sea, a stark contrast to the flashbacks she experiences of her boozy life in London, battling alcohol addiction, and attending AA meetings.
Who else stars in the film?
The 30-year-old star who was raised in Co Carlow stars alongside "I May Destroy You" actor Paapa Essiedu who plays her former lover, Daynin.
"Slow Horses" star Saskia Reeves and "Kaos" actor Stephen Dillane also appear in the movie in supporting roles.
Who is behind the movie?
The film is directed and co-written by Nora Fingscheidt, based on Amy Liptrot's book.
Not only does Saoirse star in the movie but she has also co-produced the film alongside her husband, Jack Lowden, who she married back in July.
The pair decided to get involved in the production after the Scottish actor read the memoir during lockdown and suggested that the role would be perfect for Saoirse.
At the screening of the film on Friday, Saoirse told RTÉ that she "hadn’t necessarily wanted to produce before but when I read Amy’s book, it felt like something incredibly personal to me."
What Saoirse has said about the film
Saoirse has spoken a lot about the movie, which appears to be a passion project for the couple.
The actress explained to Patrick Kielty on "The Late Late Show" that the main reason she wanted to get involved in the film was that she had "seen people [she] loved by affected by this."
The Carlow woman recalled working on a farm while filming the movie on the Scottish island. She even managed to deliver as she got into character to play Rona.
"It was mad, the maddest thing. As I was doing it, I was thinking to myself, 'How are they letting me do this?' It was the most method I’ve ever been", she laughed.
What critics are saying about "The Outrun"
The movie initially premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where the Irish actress's performance was praised by critics at the time.
The Guardian gushed over the film, calling it "a moving and delicate adaptation" and labeling Saoirse's performance as "tremendous."
The Irish Times gave the movie 4/5 stars, calling the 30-year-old actress "a force."
"The Outrun" arrives in Irish cinemas on September 27, followed by a US release on October 4.
You can watch Saoirse Ronan in the trailer for "The Outrun" below:
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.