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Romantic drama

The Secret Scripture (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

The Secret Scripture (2017) movie poster

The Secret Scripture is a 2017 romantic drama directed by Jim Sheridan, starring Eric Bana as Dr. Grene, Rooney Mara and Jack Reynor. It is based on The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $694,981 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Director at the IFTA Awards 2017. Critics gave it 35% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.8/10. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
35%
worldwide gross
$695K
award nomination
1
The Secret Scripture (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Jim Sheridan
Genres
Drama , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Secret Scripture About?

The premise of The Secret Scripture without spoilers, adapted from The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A poignant drama tells the story of Roseanne McNulty, who is forced to leave the institution she’s called home for decades. As her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene, attempts to understand her, he uncovers a complex history of passion and heartbreak. Roseanne's life is revealed through fragmented diary entries and hidden memories, blurring the lines between her past and present. We witness her youthful allure and the impact she had on those around her, gradually piecing together the story of a life lived in secrecy.

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Secret Scripture

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

The Secret Scripture Cast & Characters

Eric Bana leads the cast as Dr. Grene, with Rooney Mara as Rose and Jack Reynor as Michael McNulty. Directed by Jim Sheridan; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Secret Scripture

· 9 more
Ratings

The Secret Scripture Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Secret Scripture 35% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (45).

60 /100

The Secret Scripture Echo Score Breakdown

The Secret Scripture elicits a mixed response, balancing commendable technical elements against narrative weaknesses. Viewers and critics alike praise its evocative cinematography and committed performances, yet find the story structure cumbersome and clichéd. Multiple reviewers note the striking Irish locations and mature acting, but also criticize the overreliance on flashback puzzles and a heavy-handed script. Overall, the film delivers visual and emotional moments but struggles to cohere into a fully engaging drama.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual design and production values stand out. Critics and audiences highlight the picturesque Irish landscapes and careful framing of period details. The cinematography’s restrained color palette supports the melancholic tone, while some note occasional uneven direction. Overall, the aesthetic presentation contributes solidly to the film’s atmosphere, even if directorial pacing sometimes feels laborious.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the cast’s performances are widely praised. Rooney Mara and Theo James earn particular recognition for nuanced portrayals that convey lingering regret and resilience. User feedback applauds the emotional resonance of key scenes, although a few critics feel the script undercuts deeper character development. On balance, the acting delivers compelling moments that anchor the film’s dramatic ambitions.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The story and flow suffer from uneven pacing and structural complications. Multiple reviews criticize the overuse of non-linear flashbacks, which can obscure character relationships and timeline clarity. Plot points are described as familiar or clichéd, and some viewers find the final revelations underwhelming or illogical. While moments of suspense emerge, the narrative coherence ultimately undermines sustained engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In sensory terms, the film offers a consistently appealing audio-visual experience. The haunting musical score enhances the period atmosphere, and the sound design underscores key emotional beats without overwhelming them. Production design and costuming authentically evoke mid-century Ireland, and the visual style maintains cohesion throughout. These elements combine to deliver a polished sensory palette that supports the film’s melancholic mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Regarding rewatch value, opinions are mixed but lean toward moderate interest. Some viewers express willingness to revisit the film for its emotional highs and strong performances, while others feel the narrative flaws limit lasting appeal. The atmospheric visuals and standout acting may reward a second viewing, yet the convoluted structure may deter audiences from making it a frequent rewatch.

Plot

The Secret Scripture Plot Summary

What happens in The Secret Scripture from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The narrative of this cinematic masterpiece intricately weaves between the tumultuous early years of World War II and the dawn of a new millennium. At its heart lies the enigmatic story of Rose McNulty, a patient who has spent five decades institutionalized at Sligo Regional Mental Hospital. Her confinement began after her arrest in 1942 for the alleged murder of her infant child. As the hospital faces demolition, Dr. Stephen Grene, a psychiatrist with deep local ties, is commissioned by the Catholic Church to assess whether Rose should be transferred or released from her enduring captivity.

Full summary

The whole story of The Secret Scripture, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Secret Scripture Box Office

The Secret Scripture grossed $694,981 worldwide.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$695K

International
$695K
Awards

The Secret Scripture Awards & Nominations

The Secret Scripture earned 1 award nomination, including Best Director at the IFTA Awards 2017.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

The Secret Scripture Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE Official Trailer (2017) Rooney Mara, Theo James, Drama Movie HD
  • Trailer Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Secret Scripture?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of the older Rose McNulty?

Cars

Cars in The Secret Scripture

13 cars on screen, including the 1940 BSA M20 and the 1939 Morris Eight Series E.

All 13 cars
  • 1940 BSA M20 in The Secret Scripture 1940 BSA M20 Important role
  • 1939 Morris Eight Series E in The Secret Scripture 1939 Morris Eight Series E Important role
  • 1952 Bedford KZ ML2 in The Secret Scripture 1952 Bedford KZ ML2 Minor role
  • Ford Escort MkIII in The Secret Scripture Ford Escort MkIII Minor role
Details

The Secret Scripture Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “Ein verborgenes Leben” and “Le Testament caché (2016)”.

Also known as
  • Ein verborgenes Leben
  • Le Testament caché (2016)
  • Os Escritos Secretos
  • Escritos Secretos
  • A Escritura Secreta
  • ローズの秘密の頁
  • Saklı Kalanlar
  • La carta secreta
  • Η Μυστική Γραφή
  • Скрижали судьбы
  • Il segreto
  • Le Testament caché
+13 more
  • Щоденник Роуз
  • 로즈
  • Ein verborgenes Leben - The Secret Scripture
  • Тајни запис
  • 秘密手稿
  • Tajny dziennik
  • Тайното писание
  • הכתובים הסודיים
  • 失落的浪漫手稿
  • Slaptasis raštas
  • ローズの秘密の頁(ページ)
  • Tajný deník
  • Quyển Kinh Thánh Bí Mật

Seen The Secret Scripture?

FAQ

The Secret Scripture FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and the book behind it of The Secret Scripture, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Secret Scripture?

The Secret Scripture runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was The Secret Scripture released?

The Secret Scripture was released on October 13, 2017.

Who directed The Secret Scripture?

The Secret Scripture was directed by Jim Sheridan.

More films by Jim Sheridan

Who is in the cast of The Secret Scripture?

The Secret Scripture stars Eric Bana as Dr. Grene, Rooney Mara as Rose and Jack Reynor as Michael McNulty, among 13 credited actors.

Where can I watch The Secret Scripture?

In the US, The Secret Scripture is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla and Kanopy and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did The Secret Scripture make at the box office?

The Secret Scripture grossed $694,981 worldwide.

How is The Secret Scripture rated?

The Secret Scripture has 8.8/10 on IMDb, 35% on Rotten Tomatoes, 37 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.

Is The Secret Scripture based on a book?

Yes. The Secret Scripture is adapted from The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

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