In a bold move that showcases her versatility, actress Saoirse Ronan stars in the dark comedy Bad Apples, under the direction of Jonatan Etzler. The film, set to premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival on September 19, 2025, marks Etzler’s first English-language feature. The director revealed that Ronan was his top choice for the role, and her quick enthusiasm for the project was a pleasant surprise.
“We sent it to her and within a week, she responded,” Etzler shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “She was very keen on doing it because it’s not her usual character to play. She’s been playing a lot of good-hearted people. I think she was very keen on playing an unsympathetic character.” In Bad Apples, Ronan portrays Maria, a struggling teacher who faces moral dilemmas while managing a challenging class of ten-year-olds.
The film, adapted by Jess O’Kane from Rasmus Andersson’s novel De Önskade, relocates the story from Sweden to southern England. It explores complex themes surrounding vulnerability and societal neglect. Maria finds herself increasingly overwhelmed by her students, leading her to make a drastic decision involving one particularly unruly student, Danny, played by newcomer Eddie Waller.
Etzler emphasized the film’s dual nature, stating, “What it does is it poses a lot of questions and asks us to think about how we are complicit in the suffering of others.” Yet, he also noted that the film retains a sense of humor, balancing its darker elements with moments of levity. “It would be such a depressing film if it weren’t funny and if it didn’t have so much lightness and entertainment in how it tackles these issues,” he added.
In discussing the adaptation process, Etzler expressed a personal connection to the narrative. Having worked as a teacher himself, he understood the vulnerabilities that come with the profession. He explained, “I felt personally connected to it, but I also felt like it was such a good premise for a film.” The director highlighted the similarities between the Swedish and British education systems, suggesting that both share similar dysfunctions, making the U.K. an appropriate setting for the story.
The casting of Ronan was pivotal. Etzler noted that her ability to evoke sympathy, even while portraying an unsympathetic character, was crucial. “I think the audience would sympathize with her and follow her on the journey a lot longer than with anybody else,” he explained. The director’s admiration for Ronan’s talent is evident as he described her comedic qualities and her ability to portray complex characters.
The film also features Nia Brown as Pauline, another student in Maria’s class, and Jacob Anderson, known for his role in Game of Thrones, as fellow teacher Sam. Etzler pointed out the importance of the relationship dynamics among the three characters, highlighting their shared feelings of exclusion.
Filming took place over 32 days in and around Bristol, where the crew engaged with local schools for research purposes. Etzler praised the professionalism of the British film industry, stating, “People are so professional.” He also expressed excitement about the film’s upcoming screenings in Europe, particularly after its recent debut in Toronto.
As for future projects, Etzler mentioned several developments, including a surveillance thriller set in the modern digital age. He expressed a desire to continue making films in English, appreciating the broader range of creative opportunities it offers compared to the smaller Swedish film industry.
With San Sebastian Film Festival on the horizon, Etzler looks forward to seeing the international audience’s reaction to Bad Apples. The film promises to challenge viewers while providing moments of humor, a testament to Etzler’s skill in balancing serious themes with engaging storytelling.
