Culture
31 Oct 16

Saoirse Ronan Stars In Ian McEwan's On Chesil Beach

The twice Oscar nominated Irish actress has begun filming in Dorset, under the directorial eye of Dominic Cooke, with Billy Howle as the male lead

Saoirse Ronan has begun work on the film adaptation of Ian McEwan's novella On Chesil Beach, in Dorset, England.

Ronan, who has twice been nominated for an Oscar, stars as Florence, the female lead in the movie, which is set in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset. The book On Chesil Beach was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2007. A beautifully written novella, it tells the story of a married couple, Florence and Edward, who spend their honeymoon in a hotel on the Dorset coastline in 1962.

Over the course of their stay at the hotel, the couple face an existential crisis as they reflect on their very different upbringings and imagine what the future might hold. It is a highly affecting, emotional story that questions the nature of love and what is required of people entering a long-term relationship.

Ronan previously starred in the film of McEwan's novel Atonement, her role as Briony Tallis earning her her first Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actress, at the 2008 ceremony. She was also nominated for her role in the cinematic adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn.

A spokesperson for the production company told the Dorset Echo that Ronan and her co-star Billy Howle were filming scenes in the area on Wednesday and Thursday. The film will also be filmed in London and at the renowned Pinewood Studios.

On Chesil Beach is being produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley. It will be directed by Dominic Cooke, best known for his work on Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses. Ronan previously worked with Karlsen and Woolley on 2012's Byzantium.

"It’s an extremely exciting prospect,” Karlsen said, “to be reunited with Saoirse Ronan on such a beautiful and heartbreaking project."

The film is set for release in 2017.