16/40
In 1985, devoted father Bill Furlong uncovers disturbing secrets kept by a local convent and discovers shocking truths for himself. Cillian Murphy is a fan of Claire Keegan, the author of the original novel for the film. He remembers reading her novel “Foster” on the train and having to pull a hoodie over his face because he was crying. Eileen Furlong: If you want to succeed in this life, you have to ignore things. Dedicated to the over 56,000 young women who were sent to the Madeleine institutions for “repentance and rehabilitation” between 1922 and 1998. And the children who were taken from them. Introducing 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 delivering coal to various people. Bill goes to a convent where he becomes disturbed and after some more births he becomes more concerned with what is happening to the nuns. Bill’s horror follows him until Christmas when we get a glimpse into his past and understand why he is so upset. I think the film is an important watch, I thought it would have delved more into the convent side of things and the atrocities that took place but that 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 what consequences 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 a disgrace to this country and the church, as the power that the nuns and priests believed they were entitled to is infuriating. Good watch, great performances, 7/10.