Common Sense Media Review
Dark Magdalene Laundries mystery; violence, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Woman in the Wall
What's the Story?
THE WOMAN IN THE WALL follows Lorna Brady (Ruth Wilson), a seamstress who struggles with sleepwalking and grieving her lost baby. Isolated in the fictional Irish town of Kilkinure, Lorna is haunted by memories of her time at the Magdalene Laundries, an institution masked in secrecy and horror. Lorna is not alone; many women in town were sent there and even sought justice. But when a priest involved with the Laundries is murdered, Detective Colman (Daryl McCormack) is put on the case. Matters only get worse when Lorna wakes up to find a dead woman in her house.
Is It Any Good?
This series is a dark dive into mystery, malice, and murder. The Woman in the Wall is an intense portrait of religious trauma and grief. The performances, especially by Wilson and McCormack, are vulnerable and strong. Mixed in is a well-paced storyline and offbeat humor that balances out the darkness. The strong language, excessive drinking and smoking, and violent, distressing themes make this more suitable for older teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that this series is inspired by true events. Why do you think the writers chose to tell the story this way? What do you think dramatizing the narrative does to the original story?
Did you know about Magdalene Laundries before this? What surprised you about this series?
What is the mystery in The Woman in the Wall? What parts surprised you? What do you think will happen?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 21, 2024
- Cast : Ruth Wilson , Daryl McCormack , Simon Delaney
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Gender equality , Racial justice , Reproductive access ) , Family Stories ( Moms , Single Parents ) , History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 2, 2025
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