Saoirse Ronan has said that she hopes her new film will open up a conversation about sex.
The Irish actress is starring in On Chesil Beach, a big screen adaption of Ian McEwan’s novella.
The story focuses on a young couple on their honeymoon in the 1960s.
“I hope this film gets people talking about sex and not have it be a taboo thing or something they should be ashamed of, so they can let it be something that can be shared between two people and be an honest thing,” Saoirse said at the BFI London Film Festival.
“I think that is really healthy and I do feel people are starting to get to that stage.”
The Carlow star added that she is happy to see her generation more open to talking about their feelings.
“I don’t know if it’s because I work in films and am around people who are more artistic and more open with their emotions, but I do feel like this generation of men, and women but particularly men, have been allowed to let down that faux-masculinity a little bit, that idea of being macho,” she said.
“I find the men around my age more open to being vulnerable and sensitive and aren’t ashamed of it.”
The 23-year-old added that it can be damaging for people not to open up and communicate with other people.
“It can almost stunt a person’s growth if they aren’t able to have that dialogue, especially with the person they are in a relationship with or their parents and their friends.
“The same with women, we are at a point now where we are almost meeting in the middle, I hope.”
On Chesil Beach is in cinemas on January 19, 2018.
