Taylor-Johnson’s success then, is no small feat in light of all the obstacles she has faced. She is a fighter. This is also clear when we turn to the subject of her decade-long and very happy relationship with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was the screen writer for the new movie alongside Sam, as well as playing the central role of Frey.

Scrutiny of the love lives of celebrities is nothing new, but in the case of the Taylor Johnsons, it seems to be a constant source of fascination. I ask Taylor-Johnson how she handles the fact that people online seem to genuinely feel it’s appropriate for them to comment on their relationship on social media. Her answer is simple and inspiring.

“The only way to deal with it is to override and ignore, we’ve been together 10 years. If I’d listened to anything or wobbled or panicked for a second - we wouldn’t be where we are now, kids, happy, collaborating and making movies together.”

“It’s so important to not take to heart what other people think, which often comes from deep rooted resentments, or anger of their own” which, she adds “they should keep to themselves and not project onto other people.”

Of their second project working alongside each other, Taylor-Johnson says of her husband, “we were looking for something to do together, something where we could really push the boat out being creative. I said to Aaron this would be such a great role for you because he so loves to immerse himself in a powerful role and lose himself in that character. He read the book and it was a yes.”

“And no, in case you were wondering, he didn’t have to audition”, she laughs.

A Million Little Pieces is out in cinemas on 30 August 2019.

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Images: Getty

“When a door slams in your face, kick it down” Sam Taylor-Johnson on being a female director in sexist Hollywood