Saoirse Ronan Takes a Dark Turn in Jonatan Etzler’s ‘Bad Apples’
Director Jonatan Etzler has successfully enlisted Saoirse Ronan for his English-language feature, Bad Apples, set to premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival on September 19, 2025. The film presents a dark comedy that explores complex themes of morality and vulnerability within the educational system.
Etzler, known for his previous works such as One More Time and Swimmer, adapted the film from Rasmus Andersson’s debut novel, De Oönskade. The story, relocated from Sweden to southern England, follows Maria, a struggling teacher portrayed by Ronan. Disillusioned by her chaotic classroom, Maria makes a troubling decision involving a particularly unruly student, Danny, played by newcomer Eddie Waller.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Etzler explained that Ronan was his top choice for the role, noting her eagerness to portray an unsympathetic character. “She has been playing a lot of good-hearted people,” he remarked. “I think she was very keen on playing an unsympathetic character.” When they approached her about the role, Ronan responded within a week, excited to take on a challenging part.
The Complexity of Maria’s Character
Etzler emphasizes that Maria’s actions, while extreme, are not entirely without context. “What she does is obviously unsympathetic when she locks up Danny in the basement,” he acknowledged, “but I think the audience will sympathize with her and follow her on her journey.” This complexity is crucial for the film, which raises important questions about societal accountability and the moral compromises individuals make daily.
The director highlighted the interplay between the characters, suggesting that both Maria and Danny, along with a classmate named Pauline, represent different facets of societal neglect. “They’re a trio of people who can’t fit in,” Etzler explained. “It poses a lot of questions and asks us to think about how we are complicit in the suffering of others.”
The film’s tone balances its serious themes with humor. “It would be such a depressing film if it weren’t funny and entertaining,” Etzler stated. This approach allows for a lighthearted exploration of the often grim realities faced by educators and students alike.
Filming in the UK
Production for Bad Apples took place over 32 days in and around Bristol, England. Etzler and Ronan even visited local schools to better understand the environment they were depicting. The director praised the professionalism of the British crew, particularly the child actors, who he described as “great” and “immediate professionals.”
Etzler’s decision to set the film in the UK was influenced by the similarities he sees between the British and Swedish educational systems. “Both have the same dysfunctions,” he noted, underscoring a shared cultural appreciation for dark humor.
As the film heads to the San Sebastian Film Festival, Etzler looks forward to gauging the European audience’s response. “I’ve seen a sample of the North American response,” he said, expressing his anticipation for how the film will resonate across different cultures.
Looking ahead, Etzler hinted at future projects, including a surveillance thriller set in the digital age. While he plans to continue making films in English, he remains committed to his Swedish roots, acknowledging the strengths of both markets. “There’s such a bigger variety in English-language films,” he explained, recognizing the creative possibilities that arise from working in diverse environments.
The San Sebastian Film Festival runs from September 19 to 27, 2025, showcasing new talent and innovative storytelling in cinema.
