The Secret Scripture

The Secret Scripture is an Irish film, directed by Jim Sheridan from a screenplay by Sheridan and Johnny Ferguson, which is based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Sebastian Barry. The film stars Vanessa Redgrave, Rooney Mara, Eric Bana, Theo James, Aidan Turner, and Jack Reynor. The film had its world premiere at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. It was released in the Republic of Ireland and the UK by Vertigo Releasing on 19 May 2017. Plot The film alternates between the early years of World War II and the end of the 20th century. Rose McNulty (Vanessa Redgrave) has been a patient in the Sligo Regional Mental Hospital for 50 years since being accused of murdering her baby in 1942. The facility is scheduled for demolition. Dr. Stephen Grene (Eric Bana) is a psychiatrist who, at the request of the local Catholic Church, is evaluating whether Rose should be transferred or released. He grew up in the area and has returned to sell his parents' home. Rose is adamant that she did not kill her baby and tells her story to Stephen using the pages of a Bible on which she has written and drawn an account of her life before her incarceration.