Golden Globe-winning actress Saoirse Ronan stars in the newly released film *Bad Apples*, portraying Maria, a teacher who confronts a disruptive student with increasingly drastic measures. Directed by Jonatan Etzler, the dark comedy explores the complexities behind Maria’s decision to lock a defiant pupil, Danny, played by newcomer Eddie Waller, in her basement.

Etzler said he chose Ronan for the role after observing her range, including a comedic performance in a *Saturday Night Live* skit, which captured the blend of authority and humor he envisioned for Maria. "I just saw Maria there because she’s this person of authority, but she’s also really funny,” he explained.

Ronan, 32, described her connection to the film’s tone and material, highlighting screenwriter Jess O’Kane’s adept adaptation of the story. She said the project resonated with her “sense of humour,” combining dark comedy with relatable human contradictions. “We are all a lot more awkward and dark and twisted and funny and caring and all of these contradictory things,” Ronan said, reflecting on the character’s complexity.

Although Maria’s actions take a morally ambiguous turn, Ronan rejected the notion that her character is a typical villain, referring to her instead as “the nicest villain you could play.” When discussing her broader career aspirations, she expressed an interest in pursuing darker roles, including a desire to play a Bond villain. “I said I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious,” Ronan said, noting the dramatic appeal of a female antagonist who channels anger in compelling ways. She also mentioned that her husband, actor Jack Lowden—known for his role in *Slow Horses*—has been considered a candidate to portray the next James Bond.

*Bad Apples* offers audiences a blend of tense narrative and dark humor through Ronan’s multifaceted portrayal of a teacher pushed beyond her limits, adding to the actress’s evolving body of work known for characters who are both relatable and nuanced.