18/14
In 1985, devoted father Bill Furlong uncovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and discovers shocking truths himself. Cillian Murphy is a fan of the author of the original novel, Claire Keegan. He remembers reading her novel Foster on a train and having to pull his hoodie over his face because he was crying. Eileen Furlong: If you want to make it in this life, there are some things you have to ignore. Dedicated to the more than 56,000 young women who were sent to Magdalen institutions for “penance and rehabilitation” between 1922 and 1998. And the children who were taken from them. Featured in 60 Minutes: Red Sea Crisis/Fake Electors/Finding Cillian Murphy (2024). Just a glimpse into the harsh reality of the Magdalen laundries in Ireland. Bill is a working-class Irishman. He is married to Eileen and they have 5 daughters at home. Bill works in a coal yard and delivers it to various people. Bill goes to a convent where he becomes disturbed and after more deliveries he becomes more concerned with the goings on at the nuns. Bill’s terror follows him through to Christmas as we get a glimpse into his past as we understand why he is so upset. I think the film is important viewing, I thought it would have delved more into the convent side of things and the atrocities that took place but this was Bill’s story. Throughout the film I felt a pang in my chest wanting him to say something to do something but also knowing the repercussions he and his entire family would face if they dared to question the church. The fact that these hellholes were open until 1998 is a disgrace and embarrassment to this country and the church, seeing the power the nuns and priests believed they were entitled to is infuriating. Good viewing, great performances, 7/10.
