A captivating Irish period drama based on a best-selling novel is set to depart from Netflix this month. The Secret Scripture, which first hit cinemas in 2017, left critics and film buffs with mixed feelings. Netflix subscribers have until Sunday, November 23 to watch it and form their own views. The film is an adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s 2008 novel of the same name, and tells the story of Rose McNulty, an elderly woman who has been a patient at a mental institution for 50 years.
Accused of killing her baby during the height of World War II, Rose was sent to the facility. However, as the hospital is due to be demolished, Rose undergoes a reassessment to decide whether she should be released or transferred. This process allows Rose to tell her own story through notes she has penned in her bible. At its heart, the drama delves into themes of religion, trauma, and sexuality, reports the Irish Mirror.
Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave takes on the lead role, with Rooney Mara, known for her role in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, playing young Rose.
The star-studded cast also includes Eric Bana, known for his role in Untamed, as Rose’s psychiatrist, while Theo James and Jack Reynor play Rose’s love interests.
Behind the camera, six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan served as the film’s director and co-writer. With such a high-profile cast and a beloved story, The Secret Scripture was expected to be a success.
However, it failed to win over critics, earning a disappointing 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Cinema enthusiasts, however, were captivated by the adaptation and gave it a remarkable 69%.
One viewer gushed: “We stumbled upon this movie by accident one evening. By the time it finished, we all had tears streaming down our faces. Fantastic acting, we were spellbound [….].
“Highly recommended, a must see film. PS, make sure you have a box of tissues to hand.”
Another person shared similar acclaim on IMDb, writing: “I don’t understand why this film isn’t more highly rated. Very good performances, fantastic story and beautifully filmed.
“It’s the best performance I have ever seen from Redgrave and Bana delivers a nicely understated supporting performance.”
Meanwhile, a third review states: “This is one of those rare films that engages and tests your emotions.
“Superbly directed and flawlessly acted by one and all, this film will provoke a myriad of emotions from anger, sadness and outrage to tenderness, warmth and love and I hope for many, tears at it’s conclusion.”
The Secret Scripture is streaming now on Netflix