Dornan was in quarantine in Australia when he found out his father, Jim, a celebrated obstetrician and gynaecologist, passed away last year after contracting COVID.
Dornan, who's family grew up in county Down, stars in Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical 'Belfast'. The movie follows a boy growing up in a protestant family during the Troubles.
Dornan plays the father figure of the movie. It's clearly a role rooted in a very personal place for him.
In an interview with The Times, he said: "It feels very timely and poignant that 'Belfast' is the film I’m talking about now in light of everything that has happened. I feel very connected to my dad through this movie."
Reflecting on his father's passing, he said: "For my dad not to be able to see this movie hurts. I take comfort in the fact that he knows I did it."
"Some people go their whole lives without being told, ‘You’ve made your parents proud.’ My dad would tell me every day," he added.
'Belfast' doesn't release in Ireland until early next year, but it's already racking up huge praise. Last week it was nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture.
"This film is a really interesting way to see the beginnings of a conflict that ran for 30 years: through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy."
'Belfast' also stars Catriona Balfe, Ciarán Hinds and newcomer Jude Hill. It comes to cinemas in Ireland on January 21, 2022.
