The Magdalene Sisters fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence7
- Spectacle4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Coming of Age7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, society, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Visual Stylization7
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Magdalene Sisters is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, society, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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About
In a place that defied belief their only hope was each other.
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Questions about The Magdalene Sisters
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Magdalene Sisters worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Magdalene Sisters rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Magdalene Sisters?
1 h 59 min
The Magdalene Sisters runs 1 h 59 min.
Is The Magdalene Sisters based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Magdalene Sisters?
Yes. Critics average 87 and audiences 81 out of 100, so both groups see The Magdalene Sisters much the same way.
Was The Magdalene Sisters a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $21 million worldwide, 4.2 times its budget.
What language is The Magdalene Sisters in?
It was made in English, with some Latin. Produced in Ireland, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Magdalene Sisters?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Magdalene Sisters in 23 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Magdalene Sisters use?
TV Tropes lists 68 storytelling tropes for The Magdalene Sisters, including Shaking Her Hair Loose, Expository Hairstyle Change, Bitch in Sheep's Clothing.

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