The Secret Scripture

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The Secret Scripture

PG-13

Released Oct 13, 2017

1h 48m

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

35%

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40 Reviews

69%

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250+ Ratings

Residing in a psychiatric hospital, a woman receives visits from a young psychologist whose interest in her diary triggers flashbacks of her youth, which is filled with romance, obsession and turmoil.

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Critics Consensus

The Secret Scripture has acclaimed source material and a well-chosen cast in its corner, but despite its stars' valiant efforts, this adaptation was better left on the page.

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

This is a honourable film that has hits and misses. Watch it for the performances, particularly Redgrave's. Its most telling line is this: Bravery in the face of the enemy

Rated: 3/5

Dec 8, 2017

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

The Secret Scripture is a highly streamlined adaptation of Sebastian Barry's 2008 Man Booker finalist.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 8, 2017

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Josh Slater-Williams

Little White Lies

Its lack of nuance and persistent plotting issues frequently undermine much of the potential emotional heft.

Rated: 2/5

May 19, 2017

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Tom Cassidy

Common Sense Media

Adapted from an award-winning novel that no doubt gave the time and space for its characters to breathe, the movie fails to give any emotional weight to those on screen.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 2, 2021

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Tom Bond

One Room With A View

In the end the plot falls back on melodramatic clichés of forbidden love.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 5, 2019

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Stephen Saito

Moveable Fest

In even the smallest expressions of this freedom, whether it's a rare grin from Mara or Redgrave playing a few bars of "Moonlight Sonata," "The Secret Scripture" soars.

Nov 1, 2018

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Katarzyna D

I would do more sad ending since it's not true and true adaptation of the book. It would make more sense. Now is it like fairytale with too happily ever after.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

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Sue F

The timelines and ages just don't work. Rose is supposed to be nearly 100. She gave birth in 1942. She has been in the asylum for 50 years. It is now either around 2008 (novel date) or 2017 (film date). So there's an extra 15-20 years unaccounted for, where was she then? And if she's nearly 100, she'd have been born about 1908-1917, so the young Rose in 1942 is between 25 (maybe) and 34 (unlikely). Rooney Mara was 32 but her character seems younger. Alternatively, if we assume the film is set in the 1990s, giving her 50 years in the asylum and nowhere else, she'd have been 50 when she gave birth. Hmm. If we go with the later dates, Dr Stephen Grene should be about 70, but at filming he was about 50 (and looks rather younger). Doesn't add up, unless we drop the idea of Rose being about 100 and say she is in her 70s. In which case, why headline it with "The chief psychiatrist of a soon-to-be-razed mental institution tries to uncover the mystery behind the confinement of a 100-year-old patient."?

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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simon c

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 and horrified by " mans inhumanity to man". Highly recommended, a must see film. PS, make sure you have a box of tissues to hand.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/24

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Martin C

Great acting, beautiful scenery and a wonderful film indicating just how cruel people can be. A definite one to watch with your girl...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

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Mary B

I loved this movie and was so happy when her son came to get her from the asylum

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/09/24

Full Review

Kelly R

Absolutely loved this movie. Made me cry my eyes out at the end which is something for someone on antidepressants!! Acting was absolutely 💯 and plot was amazing. Have no idea why critics didn't like it. Make your own mind up, please 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/24

Full Review

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Jim Sheridan

Director

Rooney Mara

Rose

Vanessa Redgrave

Lady Rose

Eric Bana

Dr. William Grene

Jack Reynor

Michael Eneas

Theo James

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Synopsis

Residing in a psychiatric hospital, a woman receives visits from a young psychologist whose interest in her diary triggers flashbacks of her youth, which is filled with romance, obsession and turmoil.

Director: Jim Sheridan
Screenwriter: Jim Sheridan, Johnny Ferguson
Distributor: Vertical Entertainment
Production Co: Irish Film Board
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Language|Disturbing Thematic Content)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 13, 2017
Runtime: 1h 48m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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