Kerry Condon’s stellar year continues to dazzle, proving that timing truly is everything. Fresh off her first Oscar nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin, Condon is now in the spotlight for not one, but two distinct films: Train Dreams and F1: The Movie. In Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley and based on Denis Johnson’s novella, she plays Claire Thompson, a friend to Joel Edgerton’s reclusive railroad worker. Meanwhile, in Joseph Kosinski’s F1: The Movie, she steps into the role of Kate McKenna, a racing car engineer who clashes with Brad Pitt’s driver character. But here’s where it gets fascinating: Condon’s love for nature drew her to Train Dreams’ rural setting, while her research for F1 involved collaborating with a real-life female Formula One engineer. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can an actor truly master the technicalities of a Formula One engineer in just a few months? And does nature as a character in film elevate a story, or is it just a cinematic crutch? Let’s dive in.
DEADLINE: What hooked you on Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar’s script for Train Dreams?
KERRY CONDON: It was the way nature was woven into the story—almost like its own character. I’ve always been drawn to films where nature isn’t just a backdrop but a vital part of the narrative. The script’s lines about the impact of cutting down trees on the human soul really resonated with me. It felt profound and beautiful, and I knew I had to be a part of it.
DEADLINE: Your fire tower scene with Joel Edgerton is particularly powerful, where you discuss nature’s healing power. How did you approach that?
CONDON: That scene was all about connection—to nature, to grief, and to each other. It’s a moment that feels universal, yet deeply personal. Working with Joel, who I’ve known since we were both 19, made it even more special. We’ve come full circle, from riding horses in Ned Kelly to now, and it felt like fate.
DEADLINE: Speaking of fate, Joel’s journey with this project seems almost serendipitous.
CONDON: Absolutely. Timing is everything, isn’t it? If he’d pursued this years ago, it might not have had the same impact. Now, with a family, it means something different to him—and to me, shooting in the Pacific Northwest, where I have my farm, felt like coming home.
DEADLINE: What was it like working with Clint Bentley?
CONDON: Clint sees the world in a way that mirrors my own. He’s not in this for fame or big-budget films; he’s an artist with empathy and kindness. His respect for every department and his ability to let the story breathe—like using natural light—made the set feel alive. And yes, he’s a master of staying out of the way when needed!
DEADLINE: Let’s shift gears to F1. How did you prepare for such a technical role?
CONDON: I was thrown into the deep end! They sent me to Barcelona to experience a Formula One race, and I met Bernie Collins, a real-life strategist. She broke down the technicalities for me, but honestly, mastering it would take years of study. The challenge was delivering those lines naturally while ensuring the audience understood them. And this is the part most people miss: Balancing authenticity with accessibility is key to making technical roles relatable.
DEADLINE: Shooting on a live racetrack must have been intense.
CONDON: It was thrilling! Knowing we’d only get a few takes added pressure, but I thrive under it. The team was incredibly prepared, and I felt like a guest in the Formula One world, so I stayed focused and out of the way when not working.
DEADLINE: Did you get to drive a Formula One car?
CONDON: (Laughs) No way! Even Brad Pitt, who can do almost anything, had to train for it. Those cars are a whole different beast—buttons, technicalities, and millions of dollars at stake. One wrong move, and it’s a costly mistake. I remember thinking, ‘How much did that crash cost?’—just like my character would.
DEADLINE: Your dynamic with Brad Pitt in F1 is both flirty and powerful. How did you navigate that?
CONDON: It was tricky, especially with the schedule jumping around. I wanted Kate to be confident at work but shy around men, which isn’t often shown in films. Women can be brilliant engineers without having all the answers in their personal lives, right?
DEADLINE: Lastly, with these two films under your belt, what’s next on your list?
CONDON: For the first time, I’m in a position to wait for the right project. It’s surreal after years of auditioning just to pay rent. But here’s the thought-provoking question: In an industry that often typecasts, how do actors like me continue to break the mold and take on roles that defy expectations? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’m all ears!
