Saoirse Ronan makes an axed Barbie cameo, lambs served in Outrun

Saoirse Ronan was knee-deep in lamb goo on the first day of filming „The Outrun,” a groundbreaking look at drug addiction that premiered Friday at the Sundance Film Festival.

Adapted from Amy Liptradt's best-selling memoir, „The Outrun” centers on Rhona, an alcoholic who returns to the Orkney Islands in Scotland after a decade of hard life in London. Eager to escape the trials of her former life, she helps out on her father's goat farm, where she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

“I gave birth to seven lambs,” she said proudly Variety Studio presented by Audible. „It was very scary. I wasn't sure if I was going to kill the lamb when I was pulling it out.

Following the Sundance premiere of „The Outrun,” the 29-year-old actor sat down to talk about how Beyoncé's „Renaissance” helped prepare him for one of his best and most demanding roles, while revealing a planned „Barbie” cameo. Completed.

Congratulations on your film's Sundance premiere. What was it like watching it with an audience?

Terrifying. It was really nerve wracking watching it with the audience. I'm so glad it went so well. I ate a large pizza at midnight, and [then] I was fast asleep.

How did this project get on your radar?

First we found the book. I was introduced by [my partner] Jack Lowden, who produced it, is a proud Scotsman. He visited the Orkney Islands and fell completely in love with the place, the people and the culture. That's when he discovered „The Outrun.” A few years ago we were in Lockdown and he said, „You should read this because this is the role you're supposed to play.” I immediately fell in love with Amy's writing and how she captured her struggle with addiction.

You've done a lot of period films, so it's a more modern role than what audiences are used to seeing you in. How does your preparation differ for a film set in the present day?

When you're doing something set in World War II, you're more likely to do research about that period. Etiquette You should pay attention to how people conducted themselves, how they interacted and how physically close they were to each other. When it's modern, you don't have to think about it. There is true freedom.

What would it be like to create such a personal story with a real person?

Very scary. You feel that you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. We explore her relationships with her family and friends, some of whom she has lost along the way. It was hard to find a balance in the beginning to preserve her life while still showing it authentically.

Your character has a Scottish accent. What nuances and differences are there from your own Irish accent?

Scott-ish. I've done a full Scottish accent before [in ‘Mary Queen of Scots’], I would like to do it again. I've lived half my life in Scotland now, so I'm fine with the accent. In general, the Irish are a bit louder than the Scots. The Irish accent is rounder and more muscular. The Scottish keep everything a little flatter.

What's the point of playing drunk on screen?

It was very difficult. There are times when I really regret it. I have already decided [about] Music and physical labor, so I had something to hold on to.

What songs did you listen to while shooting?

This may come as a surprise, but [Beyoncé’s] „Renaissance” came out. It had a lot of „Renaissance” and I think it's a perfect album.

Your character has a lot of cathartic dance sequences. What was it like filming them?

It was good. I feel truly free when I have the excuse of having a camera. When I'm dancing in a scene, even if it looks ridiculous, I'm very uninhibited.

There are many natural facts throughout the film. Did you have any funny tips with you?

We have 60% of our DNA as jellyfish. It's kind of wild. My fascination with stamps went to a whole new level with „The Outrun”.

Rona makes a lot of changes in hairstyle. Did you actually dye your hair or wear a wig?

We don't have money to make a wig. Kate Morgan, who did the hair and make-up, found this clay so amazing. We didn't paint. You can wash it and change it to another color.

Do you think it's too scary to help give birth to a lamb or Jump from the moving vehicle Like your character in „Lady Bird”?

Well, the only thing I actually did was deliver a lamb. It was very scary. I wasn't sure I was going to pull the lamb out. They got a lot of coos on their airwaves when they came out. So, you have to take the straw, stick it up their nose so they can sneeze it, and rub them very aggressively to get the air moving through them. If you don't, they will die. I think that's terrible.

Is that true? Did you actually deliver the lamb?

Yes, I gave seven lambs. Lambing season takes place at a specific time each year. In Orkney, it was April. Around 4:30 we'd get to the farm, and we did that for three or four days. I don't know how obvious you want me to be, but you know which goat is going to give birth in the next hour. Finding and dealing with a herd of 40 sheep is very difficult. They are very strong and do not want to be caught. I put my leg on the goat, make sure she is still, reach up and pull the lamb out. I was totally ready to do it, but I was so scared. I grew up in the country, but not on a farm.

Greta Gerwig said she will reprise her character in the sequel to „Lady Bird”. Did you discuss it with her? Where do you think Lady Bird would be now?

She's based on Greta, does she make „Barbie”? I do not know. [Laughs]. We discussed that we wanted to revisit the film while we were making it. I heard she started talking about it. I will do everything with her as long as I have her.

Timothée Chalamet said you and him There should be a cameo „On Barbie.” Ever figured out who you'd play if your schedule worked out?

I don't know what she's going to be, but I'm definitely going to be a different Barbie. Not sure how to take it. I would have been with Kate McKinnon and it would have been great. I had a scene but never got around to it and it wasn't in the film.

What scene?

I don't remember now, but it was strange. I think I'll be that weird girl who talks to herself, always has her pet dog with her, always talks to the dog, and never sees anyone.