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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.
All Critics (39) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (25)
The Secret Scripture is a highly streamlined adaptation of Sebastian Barry's 2008 Man Booker finalist. Dec 7, 2017 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
The Secret Scripture is a highly streamlined adaptation of Sebastian Barry's 2008 Man Booker finalist.
Sandra Hall
Its lack of nuance and persistent plotting issues frequently undermine much of the potential emotional heft. May 19, 2017 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Its lack of nuance and persistent plotting issues frequently undermine much of the potential emotional heft.
Josh Slater-Williams
Sebastian Barry's Costa prizewinning novel is gutted and reconstituted to the point of absurdity in this cockeyed adaptation. May 18, 2017 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…
Sebastian Barry's Costa prizewinning novel is gutted and reconstituted to the point of absurdity in this cockeyed adaptation.
Kevin Maher
Goes from a fairly forgettable romantic drama into a full-tilt fiasco. May 15, 2017 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…
Goes from a fairly forgettable romantic drama into a full-tilt fiasco.
Tom Huddleston
Disjointed and disinterested in entertaining any and all prospective viewers, the overlong slab of melodrama is one of the most vanilla experiences at the movies in quite some time. Sep 13, 2016 | Full Review…
Disjointed and disinterested in entertaining any and all prospective viewers, the overlong slab of melodrama is one of the most vanilla experiences at the movies in quite some time.
Sam Fragoso
It doesn't take too long for Jim Sheridan's period romance "The Secret Scripture" to contort itself into a befuddlingly bungled mess. But at the outset, it seems to have everything going for it. Sep 11, 2016 | Full Review…
It doesn't take too long for Jim Sheridan's period romance "The Secret Scripture" to contort itself into a befuddlingly bungled mess. But at the outset, it seems to have everything going for it.
Andrew Barker
In the end the plot falls back on melodramatic clichés of forbidden love. Mar 5, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
In the end the plot falls back on melodramatic clichés of forbidden love.
Tom Bond
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 | Full Review…
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.
Stephen Saito
On a positive note, Rooney Mara is a very talented actress and is as captivating as ever in the film - Bana and Redgrave also do their best with the material, but the strong cast is not enough to rescue this dud of an adaptation from Sheridan. Mar 23, 2018 | Full Review…
On a positive note, Rooney Mara is a very talented actress and is as captivating as ever in the film - Bana and Redgrave also do their best with the material, but the strong cast is not enough to rescue this dud of an adaptation from Sheridan.
Ailbhe O'Reilly
Fine, lush-looking, understated 2016 wartime drama from veteran Jim Sheridan...Perfect arthouse fare, this. Dec 12, 2017 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Fine, lush-looking, understated 2016 wartime drama from veteran Jim Sheridan...Perfect arthouse fare, this.
Jim Schembri
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 Dec 8, 2017 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
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
Stephen Romei
... all the window dressing in the world isn't enough to hide the fact that this misbegotten load of old tosh really doesn't add up to a coherent or credible yarn. Avoid. Dec 7, 2017 | Rating: 1.5/5 | Full Review…
... all the window dressing in the world isn't enough to hide the fact that this misbegotten load of old tosh really doesn't add up to a coherent or credible yarn. Avoid.
Graeme Tuckett
A depiction of the cruelty dealt to a young woman by the religious hierarchy in 20th century Ireland, this screenplay contained too much romanticism to be a thorough indictment of such practices, but the mighty performance of Vanessa Redgrave pushes the excuses to the sidelines. The message is sympathy for the woman Rose, though the film wanted to reconcile the two. Redgrave is fearless, every moment is considered, overflowing with significance. She challenges the reality - including the film's generosity to the church. Only an actor of Redgrave's power could do it. The film is a lesson in the differences between the acting of Redgrave, and the requirements of modern stardom, where the lead actor may often have to be less the true focus than a neutral point around whom the production revolves. This is a deeply touching story, but not as savagely true as say The Magdalen Sisters. Some in the audience may have to keep deciding whose side they are on: it is a power struggle between Redgrave's lead and the production, which she wins - just. An opportunity to watch Redgrave at her brave and fiery best, driving home against the odds the point that what happened to Rose was not, and never would be, all right.
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