In 1964 Ireland, three young women - Rose, bearing an out-of-wedlock child; Bernadette, accused of moral transgression; and Margaret, victimized by family trauma - are interned in a Magdalene asylum. Confronting harsh labor and the ruthless Sister Bridget, they yearn for freedom amidst the suffocating regime of shame and control.
Does The Magdalene Sisters have end credit scenes?
No!
The Magdalene Sisters does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of The Magdalene Sisters, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch The Magdalene Sisters online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, TMDb or Wikipedia.
See how The Magdalene Sisters is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Magdalene Sisters stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
83
Metascore
7.7
User Score
%
TOMATOMETER
0%
User Score
74
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of The Magdalene Sisters with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
In what year does 'The Magdalene Sisters' take place?
Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Magdalene Sisters, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Magdalene Sisters and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
Outstanding British Film
Read the complete plot summary of The Magdalene Sisters, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
In 1964 Ireland, women deemed “fallen” are viewed as needing redemption. The story follows the harrowing experiences of four young women: Margaret, who suffers from the trauma of being raped by her cousin; Bernadette, whose striking beauty and flirtatious nature lead to her family’s shame; Rose, an unmarried mother; and Crispina, an intellectually challenged unmarried mother. These women find themselves forcefully confined to a Magdalene asylum by their families and caretakers.
The film starkly reveals the dismal lives these girls endure as inmates, focusing on their cruel daily routines and deplorable conditions in the laundries. The Mother Superior, a figure of terrifying authority, oversees their punishment with brutal fervor. Sister Bridget, played by Eileen Walsh, presents a façade of gentleness, but her cruelty is indisputable. Her sadistic tendencies manifest in harrowing scenes, such as her merciless beating of Rose (also played by Anne-Marie Duff), visible to Bernadette. In another shocking instance, after Una attempts to escape, Sister Bridget cruelly mocks her by shaving her head while laughing at her despair.
The financial exploitation of the asylum system is evident, with Sister Bridget delighting in the revenue generated for the institution, while the women, likened to Mary Magdalene, endure deprivations that include inadequate meals—Sister Bridget enjoys opulent breakfasts while the inmates are left with meager oatmeal. An especially dehumanizing scene showcases the women forced to stand naked after communal showers as the nuns subject them to a grotesque “contest” based on their physical attributes.
The presence of Father Fitzroy, a corrupt priest, amplifies the tragedy, as he sexually abuses Crispina. As time goes on, modernization creeps in with automatic washing machines, heralding the decline of commercial laundries and the eventual unsustainability of the Magdalene institutions.
Amidst the gloom, three girls exhibit resilience against their circumstances. After Margaret is allowed to leave thanks to her younger brother’s intervention, she defiantly confronts Sister Bridget, only to fall to her knees in prayer when rebuffed. The surprise of the Mother Superior allows her to pass, highlighting her quiet strength. Meanwhile, Bernadette and Rose come together in a bold escape attempt, wrecking Sister Bridget’s office in their quest for freedom. With a mix of suspense and determination, they manage to evade her and receive aid from a compassionate relative. The film concludes on a hopeful note as Rose boards a coach to Liverpool and Bernadette pursues her dream of becoming a hairdresser.
In stark contrast, Crispina’s fate is tragic; voiceless due to the abuse she suffered, she spends her life in a mental institution and ultimately succumbs to anorexia at the tender age of 24. Although the script is fictionalized, it draws inspiration from real-life testimony, as captured in the documentary Sex in a Cold Climate, shedding light on the grueling realities faced by these women.
Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Magdalene Sisters. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.
Explore all cars featured in The Magdalene Sisters, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.