Watch The Secret Scripture

The Secret Scripture is a 2016 movie based on the novel of the same name by Irish author Sebastian Barry. The film, directed by Jim Sheridan, tells the story of Roseanne McNulty, a 100-year-old woman who has spent most of her life in a mental institution in rural Ireland. The movie is a dramatic tale of love, loss, and redemption that spans the course of several decades.

The story begins with Roseanne reflecting on her life as her mental health facility is about to be shut down. She recounts her past as a younger woman (played by Rooney Mara) and the events that brought her to the institution. Through flashbacks, we learn that Roseanne, who was born into a Protestant family, fell in love with a Catholic man named Michael (played by Jack Reynor) in the early 1940s. However, their relationship was not accepted by their families or by the conservative society they lived in, and they were forced to keep their love secret.

As World War II broke out, Michael left to fight for the British Army, and Roseanne was left behind, pregnant and alone. When Michael returned from the war, they planned to start a new life together, but their plans were soon shattered by a tragic event that would change their lives forever.

The film moves back and forth between Roseanne’s memories of her past and her present-day reality in the mental institution, where she is under the care of a young psychiatrist named Dr. Stephen Grene (played by Eric Bana). Dr. Grene is trying to uncover the truth about Roseanne’s past in order to help her, but his efforts are complicated by the interference of the Catholic Church, which has its own secrets to protect.

As Dr. Grene delves deeper into Roseanne’s past, he discovers a shocking secret that has been kept hidden for decades, and which threatens to upend everything Roseanne thought she knew about her life.

One of the strengths of The Secret Scripture is its strong cast. Rooney Mara delivers a powerful performance as the young Roseanne, capturing both her vulnerability and her fierce determination to be with Michael. Theo James, who plays a priest named Fr. Gaunt, brings a sense of brooding intensity to his role, while Eric Bana is solid as the compassionate but troubled psychiatrist who is struggling to make sense of Roseanne’s life.

The film is also visually stunning, with lush cinematography that captures the rugged beauty of the Irish countryside. The score, composed by Brian Byrne, adds an emotional depth to the story, helping to convey the complex and conflicting emotions that Roseanne experiences throughout her life.

One of the more controversial aspects of The Secret Scripture is its depiction of the Catholic Church. The film is critical of the Church’s role in Ireland’s history, particularly the way it treated women and children in institutions such as mother-and-baby homes and mental institutions. Some viewers may find the film’s portrayal of the Church to be overly negative, while others may appreciate its willingness to confront difficult truths.

Overall, The Secret Scripture is a touching and ultimately hopeful film that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption in a thought-provoking way. Its talented cast, strong visuals, and emotional score make it a film that is sure to resonate with viewers long after the closing credits roll.

The Secret Scripture is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 37.