The reality of delivering a lamb on camera is that you get only one shot.

Saoirse Ronan had been getting up at dawn to observe local farmers in Orkney in action, soaking in as much as she could. But soon it was her turn. Not only would she have a life in her hands: She had to look like she’d been doing it her whole life. She was terrified.

It wouldn’t be the last time Ronan, 30, would have to push her boundaries to make the “ The Outrun " (in theaters Friday), a powerful and transformative portrayal of addiction and recovery which she produced alongside her husband, actor Jack Lowden . She’d yell and scream and use the harshest words she could think of to her fellow actors. She’d shift from elated to devastated in an instant in a chaotic, drunken state. And she’d explore the depths of despair of a seriously ill person on the verge of relapse.

But after two decades of acting, these were challenges Ronan was prepared for. There’s a reason her performances, notable and distinctive on a resume filled with memorable characters, from Briony Tallis to Lady Bird , have drawn comparisons to Gena Rowlands in “A Woman Under the Influence.”

It was Lowden who presented Amy Liptrot’s popular memoir to Ronan during the pandemic, believing it could be a suitable role for her.

“We gravitate towards the same kind of material,” Ronan shared in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I trust his taste and opinion. I value his judgment above anyone else's.”

They were both at a point where they felt they had more to offer the film industry than just acting. They desired greater responsibility, more autonomy to help shape the projects they so passionately loved. And so, Ronan and Lowden embarked on a journey to create “The Outrun” together. Producing, she said, deepened her love for filmmaking.

“It only enhanced the experience as an actor,” Ronan remarked. “I was connected to every single decision that was made. I was part of it and a piece of me was woven into those decisions.”

One of the first decisions that Liptrot, Ronan and German filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt made was to create a new name for Amy to create a healthy distance from their real life subject. They chose Rona, after an uninhabited island visible from the Liptrot's actual farm.

The production involved extensive pre-filming on the Orkney Islands, a remote part of Scotland, to capture the full beauty of its natural landscapes over the course of a year, including the birth of lambs and birds building their nests. The film shifts between her childhood, her struggles in London and her return to Orkney, with insightful glimpses into the history of the place, its folklore and the workings of Rona's mind. She concludes her journey in solitude on the even smaller island of Papay.

“Our goal was to craft a film with a poetic feel, where the imagery and atmosphere linger in your mind long after you've seen it,” explained director Fingscheidt. “A film that takes you on a journey, not just to Orkney or London, but a spiritual exploration into the inner world of a young woman, raised in challenging circumstances, seeking her place in life without alcohol.”

In the chaotic London scenes, where Rona's relationship with her boyfriend Daynin (Paapa Essiedu) deteriorates due to her addiction, Ronan found herself frequently apologizing to her fellow actors. To capture the full extent of Rona's harshness, Fingscheidt asked Ronan to be cruel and personal.

“I’ve never explored that kind of cruelty and genuine meanness with a character before,” Ronan said. “But you have to commit to it, knowing it's for the sake of authenticity and honoring Amy’s life. In a way, it felt more respectful to those affected by Amy’s illness. Because the harshness, the meanness, and the ugliness that emerges...I’ve experienced it myself. It’s incredibly painful. If we were going to do this story and their experience justice, we needed to show all of that.”

Behind the scenes, Lowden, who is Scottish and is particularly passionate about telling Scottish stories, was a supportive presence who understood the culture and the people. They collaborated with many locals in the small community of Orkney and Papay — which has no hotels. Ronan appreciated his presence on set. They married privately earlier this year.

“He’s one of those enigmatic individuals who, yes, is a brilliant, brilliant actor and is so incredible on screen, but most of the time would much rather see others take center stage,” she described. “He enjoys being behind the scenes, ensuring everyone has what they need and the set is running smoothly. He’s more naturally a producer."

Following the filming, Ronan was prepared to part ways with Rona. She had a six-week break and embarked on a solo train journey across Europe to unwind. Afterwards, she was scheduled to be on another set: Steve McQueen’s highly anticipated World War II film “Blitz,” an AppleTV+ film premiering in theaters on November 1. She portrays a mother searching for her 9-year-old son who was intended to be safe in the English countryside but has embarked on a perilous journey to return to her.

“I’m thrilled that these two films are being released simultaneously because they couldn’t be more different,” Ronan expressed. “It's very exciting for me to stand behind both of them. They feel deeply personal for different reasons.”

Awards buzz is already swirling around her performances. Ronan has received four Oscar nominations for acting, starting with “Atonement,” but is yet to win. This year, she could potentially earn both a lead and supporting nomination for these two projects. However, she's more focused on sharing them with the world. In “The Outrun,” which she's seen through from its inception to its release, she takes pride in a performance she doubts she would have been capable of a few years ago.

“I wouldn’t have had the courage to take on such a role years ago,” Ronan admitted. “But feeling content and secure in my personal and professional life, I was ready to portray a character as troubled and disconnected as she was. I was eager to embrace the uncertainty surrounding her development and transformation.”

Plus, she now knows how to birth a lamb.

“You just got to get in there and do it,” she laughed.