The first trailer for the Searchlight crime comedy film See How They Run was released on June 29th to a positive reaction from audiences. The film showcases a large ensemble cast, with Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell leading the likes of Adrien Brody, Ruth Wilson, and David Oyelowo. Fans are excited to see Ronan back on screen and flexing her comedic chops as the actor does so well.
Ronan first garnered acclaim way back in 2007 with Atonement and since then, the talented actress has accrued quite an impressive list of credits. From classical adaptations like Little Women to exciting thrillers like Hanna, Metacritic’s compilation of Ronan’s best work has proved that there is nothing she can’t do.
Hanna (2011) – 65
Available to Rent On AppleTV & Amazon Prime Video
The titular Hanna has been trained since birth by her ex-CIA father for one thing and one thing only, to be an expert assassin. Her mission is to eliminate a high-ranking officer in the CIA, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, who is out to eliminate both Hannah and her father. Hanna races against time to protect the only family she has ever known, but not everything is as it seems.
Hanna found a refreshing angle to use on the familiar “ trained assassin” trope, resulting in a truly original narrative. The compelling plot and thrilling action scenes led to its box office and critical success. Critics found Ronan’s performance to be superb, brilliantly conveying the complex themes of the film with ease. Many refer to Hanna as one of the best female spy movies ever made.
Byzantium (2013) – 66
Available to Rent On Amazon Prime Video
Eleanor Webb (Ronan) and her mother Clara (Gemma Arterton) are two renegade vampires on the run from a deadly society of male vampires known as the Brethren. Hiding out in the hotel Byzantium, Clara and Eleanor navigate the complexities of their eternal life while also remaining on the lookout for possible danger.
Director Neil Jordan crafts a truly haunting and gothic tale surrounding the bonds of family while also delivering a sophisticated take on the vampire genre. The chilling score and complex performances are two of the film’s best features. The chemistry between Ronan and Arterton anchors the fantastical elements of the film, making Byzantium a perfect mix of horror and heart.
Ammonite (2020) – 72
Stream on Hulu & Kanopy
Ammonite is a fictionalized love story set during the 1840s that follows the lives of real-life Mary Anning (played by Kate Winslet) and Charlotte Murchison (Ronan). What starts off as an innocent flirtation quickly changes into a passionate and heated romance. Both women must battle their inner desires to survive in a world that is not yet ready for them.
Although some critics had issues with the historical inaccuracies in the film, most found the chemistry between Ronan and Winslet to be worth the price of admission. While the film does slightly fall into some period piece tropes every now and then, the central love story and the performances elevated the material beyond its familiar structure.
The French Dispatch (2021) – 74
Stream on HBO Max
The French Dispatch is an anthology film centered on three different narratives. The framing device of the movie focuses on the death of The French Dispatch magazine editor and his last request being that only one final issue is published. The plot of the film follows each of the four articles that are included in the last issue of the popular French magazine.
With one the largest ensemble casts Anderson has ever worked with, The French Dispatch showcases a cavalcade of top talent, each giving their all to bring this madcap story to life. In traditional Anderson fashion, the script is biting, the production is impeccable, and the serious subject matter is delivered with his trademark touch of whimsy. Ronan’s character is only in a few scenes but is unsurprisingly a memorable part of the film.
The Secret World of Arrietty (2012) – 80
Based on the 1952 novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton, this film follows a young girl who is a Borrower, a miniature breed of people who survive in life by borrowing objects from larger humans. Shō, a human teenage boy, discovers her and the two begin an ideal friendship. However, she soon realizes their bond might have precarious consequences for Arrietty and her family.
Saoirse Ronan voices Arietty in Studio Canal’s English dub of the film. The movie’s character design, imaginative script, and moving vocal performances make this one of the best Studio Ghibli movies ever made. The central themes about acceptance and perseverance are delivered in a heartwarming story that’s beautifully constructed to touch even the most cynical of hearts.
Atonement (2007) – 85
Stream on HBO Max
The budding romance between a wealthy socialite (Keira Knightley) and a groundskeeper’s son (James McAvoy) is halted when the younger sister of the socialite (portrayed by a stellar Saoirse Ronan) makes a false allegation. The younger sister then documents the tragic trajectory of the lives she ruined with her lie spanning multiple years.
Arguably one of the most stunning examples of expert cinematography, Atonement’s transition from page to screen received acclaim from critics, praising the performances of Ronan and Knightley as well as the stylized direction. The production team did a fantastic job of representing the romanticism of the beloved novel, crafting a satisfying adaptation for fans. Ronan’s breakout role garnered the young actor her first Oscar nomination.
Brooklyn (2015) – 88
Available to Rent on Amazon Prime Video
Eilis, played by Saoirse Ronan, is a young Irish woman who immigrates to New York City to find a better life for herself. A classic fish-out-of-water story, Eilis struggles to assimilate to American culture, often battling strong bouts of homesickness. Eventually, she meets Tony, a suave and sweet plumber who shows Eilis that there might be a reason to stay in Brooklyn after all.
The sweet and earnest love story at the center of Brooklyn is written and performed beautifully by Ronan and Emory Cohen. The charisma of both actors leaps off the screen making it difficult to not be delighted while watching this film. Special care was also given to portraying Irish culture in the correct way, while also showing the harsh realities of immigrating to the States in the 1950s. Brooklyn was a commercial and critical success, with many critics including the movie in their best movies of 2015 lists.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – 88
Stream on HBO Max
Considered to be one of Wes Anderson’s most rewatchable movies, The Grand Budapest Hotel is set in the 1930s and follows Gustave H., a talented concierge and gigolo who is framed for the murder of one of his elderly wealthy clients. Gustave’s protégé, Zero joins him on a quest to prove his innocence and find out what really happened.
Wes Anderson’s trademark style is in full force in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The apt direction, unique production design, and brilliant script all lend to an entirely enjoyable experience. The wrapping might be zany and whimsical, but the gift inside is a truly touching story about love and perseverance conveyed by wonderful performances, including Saoirse Ronan’s own performance as Zero’s girlfriend Agatha.
Little Women (2019) – 91
Available to Buy on AppleTV & Amazon Prime Video
Adapted from the Louisa May Alcott novel of the same name, Little Women follows the tenacious and loving March sisters as they come of age against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The eldest Jo (Saoirse Ronan) has a partially hard time facing the inevitable transition into adulthood while also trying to make a name for herself as a published writer.
Critics praised director Greta Gerwig’s Little Women for having a modern feel without being anachronistic. Staying true to the source material, the film was able to convey its rich themes without feeling dated or repetitive. The film was also lauded for being an improvement on 1994’s Little Women. Ronan, in particular, was commended for her portrayal of Jo March, bringing a more compelling take on the character than seen in previous adaptations. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her role in the film.
Lady Bird (2017) – 93
Stream on Showtime
Christine “Lady Bird” MacPherson longs for the day when she can leave Sacramento behind and go to college in another city, however, her mother has different ideas for her future. As her senior year comes to an end, Lady Bird finds herself experiencing her first love, first heartache, and her first chance to become the adult she wants to be.
Lady Bird was critical darling, with special praise given to Gerwig’s touching script and Saoirse Ronan’s captivating performance. The movie was able to show the joys and pains of young adulthood in a brutally authentic, yet funny way. The film’s portrayal of the mother-daughter dynamic set this film as one of the most painfully honest and beautifully written movies about family relationships
