The Outrun director explains Saoirse Ronan’s hair transformations in the movie

As a long-time admirer of captivating performances and thoughtful storytelling, I must say that Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal in “The Outrun” has left me absolutely spellbound. The way her character Rona’s hair color mirrors her emotional journey is nothing short of brilliant – a testament to the film’s exceptional attention to detail and the profound connection between the actress and her role.


In Saoirse Ronan’s latest film, “The Outrun,” her hair color shifts significantly between different scenes, but this alteration isn’t random – there’s a purpose behind it.

The movie is inspired by Amy Liptrot’s autobiographical book and tells the story of Rona, a young woman, who returns to her hometown in the Orkney Islands as part of her recovery journey after battling alcohol addiction for nearly a decade.

Throughout her narrative, we transition from her earlier days in bustling London to her current healing process on the tranquil Scottish isles. Correspondingly, her hair transforms from blue to fiery orange and finally to golden tones. These shifts, each connected to pivotal moments of her existence, seem to narrate a tale all their own.

In a private conversation with Digital Spy, the film’s director, Nora Fingscheidt, revealed that the choice to color Rona’s hair served a purpose within the narrative of the movie was deliberate.

The Outrun director explains Saoirse Ronan’s hair transformations in the movie

Fingersheidt began by stating that, just like every aspect of the movie, it originated from Amy’s book. At times, Amy would write about dyeing her eyebrows red or similar things, but it eventually spiraled out of control.

However, Rona isn’t just any young woman; she expresses herself through her hair color and fashion, making these aspects integral to who she is. Consequently, we decided to symbolize Orkney with blue and London with orange to reflect her unique identity.

Let there be a distinction between the two elements, allowing them to develop and aid us in recognizing our place within this complex structure. Simultaneously, these differences contribute to her overall personality.

The Outrun director explains Saoirse Ronan’s hair transformations in the movie

Fingscheidt also talked about portraying alcoholism on screen and avoiding clichés.

As a devoted admirer, I want to highlight that this story primarily revolves around her journey towards sobriety – a beacon of hope after battling alcoholism and addiction. Yet, glimpses of her past struggles, the dark times, are woven into the narrative, serving as poignant reminders of how far she’s come.

We strive to empathize with Rona by capturing her experiences as authentically as possible. This means that sometimes the camera may be slightly blurry and the sound quality might be distorted, mirroring her recollections of those moments. It’s important for us not to belittle or reveal too much about her, but instead, we aim to share in her struggles, even during the most challenging times.

During the same interview, Amy Liptrot, both the author of the book and the co-writer of this movie adaptation, discussed what messages she hopes viewers will take from her true-life story as it makes its debut on the silver screen.

The Outrun director explains Saoirse Ronan’s hair transformations in the movie

I wish they find their viewing experience engaging and enjoyable. Essentially, this implies a hint of transformation. Who knows what lies ahead, it might just be something truly captivating.

In addition to Saoirse Ronan as the main actor, the cast features Paapa Essiedu from “I May Destroy You”, Stephen Dillane known for “Game of Thrones”, and Saskia Reeves from “Slow Horses”. Notably, this film is being co-produced by Saoirse Ronan (in her debut role as a producer), Jack Lowden, Sarah Brocklehurst, and Dominic Norris.

The Outrun” has generally garnered favorable feedback from critics, with many commending Ronan for her deeply invested portrayal and the film’s poetically crafted storyline.

The film is expected to receive a rating of 79%, based on 42 critic reviews, as it prepares for its premiere in the UK this coming Friday, followed by its debut in the US on October 4th.

The Outrun is arriving in UK cinemas on September 27.

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2024-09-24 18:19

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