Pedestrians in north London were treated to a view of two women walking down a street last week. So far, so unremarkable. But these two were surrounded by film cameras, and a closer look would have revealed that the women in question were Hollywood A-list actors.

Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams were in Edgware to film Disobedience, based on the book of the same name by Naomi Alderman. Ms Weisz is also one of the movie’s producers.

Ms Alderman’s novel tells the story of Ronit (played by Ms Weisz), the lesbian daughter of a Hendon rabbi who returns home from New York. Her teenage love-interest, Esti (McAdams), has married Ronit’s cousin, who has succeeded her father as rabbi.

Ms McAdams, who is not Jewish, reportedly visited Hasmonean Girls School in Mill Hill as part of her research for the role.