Director Jonatan Etzler has successfully cast Saoirse Ronan in a darkly comedic role in his upcoming film, Bad Apples. This marks Etzler’s first English-language project, showcasing Ronan as an unsympathetic character in a story that delves into the complexities of societal norms and individual struggles. The film is set to premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival on September 19, 2025, following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In Bad Apples, Ronan portrays Maria, a struggling teacher in south England. The film, adapted from Rasmus Andersson’s debut novel, De Önskade, explores challenging themes surrounding how society treats its most vulnerable members. Maria, overwhelmed by her class of unruly ten-year-olds, makes a drastic decision when she decides to confine a troubled student, Danny, played by newcomer Eddie Waller, in her basement.
Etzler explained his vision for the film, saying, “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.” The director is known for his previous works, including One More Time and Swimmer. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance of humor within the darker themes presented in the film. “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 stated.
The collaboration with Ronan stemmed from her desire to step outside of her typical roles. “She was so keen on doing it because it’s not her usual character to play,” Etzler remarked. He acknowledged her talent and ability to bring complexity to the role, making Maria relatable despite her unsympathetic actions.
The film also stars Nia Brown as Pauline, a seemingly sweet classmate of Danny’s, and Jacob Anderson, recognized for his role in Game of Thrones, as fellow teacher Sam. The dynamics among the characters reflect a broader commentary on the challenges faced by individuals struggling to fit into societal expectations.
Etzler shared insights about his decision to adapt Andersson’s novel, highlighting the moral dilemmas portrayed in the story. “I had been a teacher, and I knew how tough it was and how vulnerable you are in front of a group of children,” he noted. He believes that both the Swedish and British education systems share similar dysfunctions, making the U.K. an appropriate setting for the film.
Aiming to capture the essence of dark humor, Etzler explained, “We appreciate dark humor a lot more; we appreciate when a film can make you a bit uncomfortable.” This thematic approach resonates throughout the film, presenting a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human behavior and moral choices.
The casting process for the younger actors was particularly challenging, as Etzler sought performers who could authentically portray the emotional depth required for their roles. “It was a really positive experience,” he reflected, noting the professionalism and adaptability of the child actors involved.
As the film heads to San Sebastian, Etzler expressed anticipation for how European audiences will respond to the story. “I’m really looking forward to it,” he said, highlighting his excitement about the festival and the opportunity to showcase his work on an international stage.
Looking ahead, Etzler has several projects in development, including a thriller set in the modern digital age. He plans to continue making English-language films while also pursuing projects in Sweden. “There’s such a bigger variety, and there’s lots more possibilities in what you can do,” he concluded, emphasizing his passion for storytelling across different cultures and languages.