The Secret Scripture (2016)

Gripping - The Secret Scripture review by MH

There have been so many films recently bashing the Roman Catholic church for its historic sins that one becomes weary and there is a danger of sympathy fatigue and boredom setting in. Don't get me wrong - I would never suggest condoning the terrible mistakes that have been made, and it is always disappointing when religious people turn out to be basely human. But we saw a similar story in Philomena and I can't see how this film adds anything to it.

Rooney Mara is excellent, veering from wildly histrionic to intensely withdrawn, and almost - but not quite - persuades us of the magnetic quality the character is supposed to exert over men. But Vanessa Redgrave is absolutely brilliant as the older Rose who is finally exonerated and rescued ,and although the cosy ending is rather patronising, it is nevertheless satisfying on a superficial emotional level. I am not a huge fan of Vanessa Redgrave but she does give a fine performance here.

An interesting sub-plot involved the support of the ever-Brit-hating Irish Republicans for Hitler and the Nazis in the second World War. Very few people now know - or remember - that the Irish fought with Germany against Britain in that war and I believe it is something that should never be forgotten or, like the sins of the Church, forgiven.