Belfast is set to be released in UK cinemas on January 21, so we have been taking a closer look at the actors behind the film's much-loved characters.
Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical film follows nine-year-old Buddy who is growing up in the city at the beginning of The Troubles.
Here's everything you need to know about the actress who plays Buddy's mum (simply called 'Ma' throughout the movie), Caitríona Balfe:
Where is Caitríona Balfe from?
Caitríona Balfe was born in Dublin, but grew up in the village of Tydavnet in Co Monaghan, in a family of seven.
She went to the Dublin Institute of Technology to study drama, but was soon spotted by a model scout.
How did her career begin?
At the age of 18, Caitríona was scouted by a modelling agent when she was collecting money for charity at a local shopping centre. She soon began modelling in Paris, before moving to New York.
In a three-year period, she walked over 250 runway shows, and was considered to be one of the most in-demand models in the world. She worked as a model for ten years, before refocusing on her initial career of choice - acting.
While living in New York she had a minor role as a magazine employee in The Devil Wears Prada. She moved to LA to continue training as an actor, soon featuring in films such as Super 8 , and alongside Michael Caine in Now You See Me.
What roles is she best known for?
Caitríona Balfe is best known for her starring role as Claire Fraser in long-running TV series Outlander.
She also had leading roles in the web series The Beauty Inside , and H+: The Digital Series . As well as this, Caitríona has appeared in films including Escape Plan, Money Monster, and Ford v Ferrari.
What has Caitríona Balfe said about her role in Belfast?
Worried that she would struggle to get work during the pandemic, Caitríona said her supporting role in Belfast felt like "a gift from the post-lockdown gods."
She said she could see a lot of similarities between her own mother and the character she plays in the film, Ma. In an interview with BAZAAR, she continued: “I wanted to honor the amazing Irish women that I know and love, who love very fiercely and are quick to laugh and quick to enjoy life—but also quick to anger.”
On reading the script for the first time, she said she was "sobbing by the end of it." Caitríona added: "I have such a love for the people of Ireland, and I think when you have left, sometimes, it can be quite a complicated relationship you have with your home.”
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
